Minneapolis, MN-based Allina Hospitals & Clinics and Fairview Health Services have settled a 2004 class action suit alleging that the two systems overcharged uninsured patients. Under the terms of the settlement, Allina and Fairview have agreed to discount the outstanding balances of uninsured patients who were seen between early February 1999 and August 2005 by 25 percent. If the patient has paid in more than 75 percent, the systems will give the patient a voucher for credit against future balances. Since 2001, Allina has offered free care for patients with incomes lower than 275 percent of the federal poverty level. Not long after it was sued, Allina began providing a minimum 20 percent discount on hospital bills for uninsured patients.
To learn more about the settlement:
- read this Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal article