UNC Health Care announces new efforts to inform low-income patients about financial assistance

The UNC Health Care system in North Carolina on Tuesday announced plans to begin new efforts to inform low-income patients about financial assistance through a revised telephone message, signs and a financial aid hotline, the Raleigh News & Observer reports (Stancill, Raleigh News & Observer, 8/30).

According to a petition with signatures from 1,100 state residents recently submitted to UNC Health Care President Erskine Bowles, a new policy at UNC clinics that requires payment at time of service limits access to care for low-income patients.

UNC clinics use an automated appointment confirmation system with a telephone message that informs patients of their obligation to pay at the time of service (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 8/21). In response to the petition, the revised telephone message will state: "Our mission is to serve your health care needs.

Please know that financial counseling is available if you have any concerns about your ability to pay copays due at your appointment or existing UNC Health Care balances."

UNC clinics will post a similar message on signs. In addition, UNC Health Care will establish a financial aid hotline, hire more financial aid counselors and appoint community representatives to the board of directors and other committees (Raleigh News & Observer, 8/30).