Alina Health System announced Wednesday that it is rescinding its policy to cut off non-emergency care for patients who have to pay more than $4,500 for medical bills.
The Minneapolis-based nonprofit healthcare system, which operates more than 100 hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and western Wisconsin and generates $4 billion in annual revenue, provides clinical care for heavily indebted patients. Internal documents and interviews have revealed that they sometimes refuse. Doctors, nurses and patients were reported by The New York Times in June.
Less than two weeks later, Alina announced that it would “re-examine” its policy, but would not resume services for patients who had already been cut off.
On Wednesday, Alina released a statement that it was withdrawing its policy.
“Our policy of suspending the scheduling of non-urgent ambulatory care for uninvolved patients after providing significant assistance to help resolve medical debt has been extensively reviewed. We have determined that there is an opportunity to leverage our clinical team and technology in other ways to provide financial assistance resources to patients in need of support. We are officially transitioning from a policy of suspending
The statement said staff “are working vigorously to remove barriers to care by supporting patients with financial counseling and programs.” We are proud of our nationally recognized commitment to supporting patients and communities in proactively addressing the major social factors that impact their health, and we will continue to strengthen our efforts to support patients. I would like to continue “
A New York Times article said Alina’s hospital continues to treat all patients in its emergency room, while also treating those with high debts, including children and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and depression. Other medical services have been discontinued. The patient was not allowed to return until the debt had been paid in full.
Alina CEO Lisa Shannon called the move to reconsider its policy after 10 days a “thoughtful pause.”
At the time, Dr. Matt Hoffman, Alina’s primary care physician at Vadnais Heights, said he hoped the suspension would not be temporary, according to a Times article.
“I hope they do the right thing and reinstate patients who have already been laid off,” Hoffman told the newspaper.
Alina owns 13 hospitals and over 90 clinics in the area. Alina avoided about $266 million in state, local and federal taxes in 2020 thanks to being a nonprofit, according to the Loan Institute, a health care think tank, The Times reported in June. Ta.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison later said the office was reviewing Alina’s practice and asked patients to contact staff if medical services were interrupted.
On Wednesday, Ellison’s office said in a statement that Alina’s change of policy “does not change our desire to hear the public’s opinion on this issue, but rather to both past and future actions by Alina.” It does not change the scope of our focused investigation.” “
During a live hearing session Wednesday night in St. Paul, Ellison said he was seeking community input on medical billing and access to care. A second listening session will be held in Rochester on September 12th.
Nurses from the Minnesota Nursing Association testified Wednesday.
“Hospital officials keep nurses out of bedsides, drive Minnesotans into debt, and jeopardize patient care for profit,” said Mary C. Turner, a registered nurse and union president. “It’s time for nurses and patients to unite and demand that our hospitals work for the people of Minnesota, not the rich and powerful CEOs.”
In a statement about attending the Ellison Forum, unions said nurses were on the front line fighting corporate policies and hospital executives who put “profit” ahead of patients and nurses.
“In this Congress, nurses led the fight to secure new regulations against harmful hospital mergers that often result in higher prices, lower wages and reduced access to care. Last year’s 15,000 nurses. In a historic strike, MNA nurses took a stand against corporate policies that deprive patients of adequate nursing care and keep nurses away from their bedsides.”
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