Vail (Colo.) ValleyMedicalCenter expanded its eligibility criteria for financial assistance to better serve local patients who did not previously qualify for assistance programs, reports Vail Daily.
Hospital guidelines adopted in fall 2016 expanded the opportunity for financial aid for medical bills to families earning up to 350 percent of the federal poverty level. VVMC previously only offered financial assistance to families making up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level.
The program also provides a 75 percent discount on urgent care services for uninsured patients who lack the financial means to pay out-of-pocket. VVMC plans to roll out an interest-free patient loan program later this year, according to the article.
"Our medical center and staff have always been committed to helping uninsured locals access the healthcare they need," Doris Kirchner, president and CEO of VVMC, said in a statement. "Our new financial assistance policy will reduce the cost of care for a larger group of qualified EagleCounty and SummitCounty residents who use our services."