Ascension Health in St. Louis, Mo., and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee have eliminated deductibles for people enrolled in the health systems' respective insurance plans who make less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level, reports Milwaukee Business Journal.
The healthcare organizations implemented the policy as a way to address those insured patients struggling to afford increasing out-of-pocket expenses. As of July 1, patients whose income is less than 250 percent of the poverty line qualify for free care at both Ascension and Froedtert facilities.
Ascension has also implemented a discount program on a sliding scale to help patients afford care whose income is up to 400 percent of the federal poverty line, according to the article.
Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible for the programs.