Hospital Bill Eraser FAQ

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Will the non-profit hospital financial assistance policies be applied to a co-pay, coinsurance, or deductible?

It depends on the hospital's financial assistance policy. Some specifically state coverage for these costs, while others do not.

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Is there a minimum or maximum dollar amount applied to the non-profit hospital financial assistance policy (FAP)?

Hospitals commonly set a minimum dollar value at $1,500 to apply for financial assistance. There is no maximum dollar amount.

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What is the federal poverty level (FPL) and how is it used to determine free or discounted care?

The FPL, determined annually by the US Department of Health and Human Services, helps determine eligibility for free or discounted care.

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What is catastrophic financial assistance coverage?

If a medical bill exceeds a certain percentage of annual household income, it may be considered catastrophic and eligible for financial assistance.

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How late after care occurs can one apply for financial assistance?

Within 240 days after care.

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How long does the process take to determine if a person qualifies for free care?

By federal law, hospitals must provide a response within 30 days of receiving the application.

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Can Hospital Bill Eraser help keep me out of collections?

Yes, while applying for financial assistance, hospitals cannot send patients to collections until a final determination is made.

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What does the amount generally billed (AGB) mean? Why is it important?

AGB represents the average amount paid for a medical care item across all payer types. It's crucial for understanding billing practices and financial assistance eligibility.

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My hospital has sent me an unitemized bill for thousands of dollars. What should I do?

Contact CareGuide Advocates for assistance in protecting yourself from predatory billing practices.

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What if I make too much money and don’t qualify for financial assistance? Can Hospital Bill Eraser still help me?

Yes, CareGuide Advocates can negotiate hospital bills for individuals who don't qualify for financial assistance.

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How does a member initiate the Hospital Bill Eraser service?

Contact CareGuide Advocates by phone or submit your hospital bill via the provided portal on their website.

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How do you get participation by employees in a group setting?

CareGuide Advocates works with health plan third-party administrators to trigger assistance for claims above a specified dollar amount.

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How does Hospital Bill Eraser help the employee?

It can erase deductibles and coinsurance, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

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How does Hospital Bill Eraser help the employer?

It helps reduce stop-loss premiums, save on out-of-network claims, and improve employee recruitment and retention.