The Minnesota attorney general's office has launched an investigation into the billing practices of Minneapolis-based Allina Health, joining an investigation launched late last year into Rochester-based Mayo Clinic's practices.
The investigation into Mayo's billing practices remains ongoing, according to an Aug. 18 news release from Attorney General Keith Ellison's office.
Mr. Ellison's office opened its investigation into Mayo Clinic's "apparent aggressive bill-collection conduct" after the Post Bulletin released a report in November about the hospital suing low-income patients for unpaid medical bills.
The Post Bulletin stated it interviewed 20 patients sued by Mayo for unpaid bills and determined that 14 could have qualified for charity care. All but one were forced to pay their bills in full after they were sued. Most said they were unaware charity care was an option.
Minnesota hospitals must provide patients with the opportunity to apply for charity care if there is reason to believe the patient may be eligible, according to the release.
A Mayo Clinic spokesperson told Becker's in December it was responding to the attorney general's request and welcomed "the opportunity to provide an accurate and complete picture of our billing and collection practices."
"We are confident that our response will demonstrate that financial assistance is an important part of Mayo Clinic's relationship with patients and is shared with them at points before, during and after care is provided," the statement read.
Allina Health, meanwhile, shared the following statement with Becker's in response to news of the investigation:
"Allina Health continues to engage with the attorney general's office about our compliance with the Minnesota Hospital Agreement and the comprehensive support we offer patients with financial needs. Our policy that interrupted the scheduling of nonemergency, outpatient clinic care remains on pause since June 9th. We continue to conduct research and analysis as well as outreach to patients and remain committed to reducing barriers to care."