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Charity Care Policy

At Florida Heart & Vascular Surgery Center, we believe that all patients should have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial circumstances. As part of our mission to serve our community, we offer a comprehensive Charity Care Program that provides free or discounted services to patients who qualify based on financial need. We are committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent patients from receiving necessary medical care.

Eligibility for Charity Care

Charity care is available to uninsured or underinsured patients who demonstrate financial need. To qualify for the Charity Care Program, patients must meet the following criteria:

  • Income: Your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). The income thresholds are updated annually in accordance with the federal guidelines.

  • Residency: Charity care is available to U.S. citizens, legal residents, or those who reside within the state of Florida.

  • Insurance Status: You must be uninsured or underinsured for the specific medical services provided at our center. Patients with high-deductible health plans or those facing significant out-of-pocket expenses may also be eligible.

  • Other Financial Resources: If you qualify for other governmental assistance programs, such as Medicaid or Medicare, you will be required to apply for those benefits first. Our financial counselors can help guide you through the application process.

Services Covered Under Charity Care

Our Charity Care Program applies to medically necessary services provided at Florida Heart & Vascular Surgery Center. This includes:

  • Surgical procedures

  • Anesthesia services

  • Diagnostic tests related to the procedure

  • Post-operative care as required

Surgeries are not eligible for charity care unless deemed medically necessary by a physician.

  • Elective or cosmetics

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Application Process

To apply for charity care, patients must complete the Charity Care Application Form and provide supporting documentation. This documentation may include:

  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, etc.)

  • Proof of residency (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)

  • Copies of recent medical bills or insurance denials

  • A list of household members and their income

Once the application is submitted, our financial counselors will review your case and determine your eligibility for charity care. You will be notified in writing of the decision within 30 days. All information provided during the application process is confidential and will only be used to assess eligibility for financial assistance.

Discounted Services

If you qualify for charity care, you may receive full or partial discounts on the cost of services based on your income level:

  • 100% Discount: Available to patients with household incomes at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).

  • 75% Discount: Available to patients with household incomes between 101% and 150% of the FPG.

  • 50% Discount: Available to patients with household incomes between 151% and 200% of the FPG.

In special circumstances, patients with extraordinary medical expenses relative to their income may qualify for additional assistance, even if their income exceeds the FPG thresholds.

Other Considerations

Emergency Services: No patient will be denied care in the event of a medical emergency, regardless of their ability to pay. Charity care policies apply to services rendered after the emergency has been stabilized.

  • Payment Plans: For patients who do not qualify for charity care or for those with remaining balances after charity care adjustments, payment plans are available to help manage their medical expenses.

  • Appeals Process: If you are denied charity care and believe the decision was made in error, you have the right to appeal the decision. You may submit additional documentation to support your appeal, and your case will be reviewed by a senior member of our financial team.

How to Apply

To apply for charity care, download the Charity Care Application Form or visit our center to pick up a copy. For assistance with your application, please contact our financial assistance department at 937 or contact@flheartvascular.com. Our team is available to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Florida Heart & Vascular Surgery Center does not discriminate in providing care based on a patient’s race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or ability to pay. We are committed to offering equitable access to care for all patients in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for charity care if I have insurance?
Yes, if your insurance does not fully cover the cost of your treatment and you are facing significant out-of-pocket expenses, you may be eligible for charity care. Please contact our financial team to discuss your options.

2. How do I know if I qualify for charity care?
Our financial counselors will review your application based on your income, household size, and other financial resources. You will receive a written notification of your eligibility.

3. What if I am denied charity care?
You have the right to appeal the decision. Submit additional documentation to our financial assistance department, and we will re-evaluate your case.

4. Are all services covered under the Charity Care Program?
The program applies to medically necessary procedures. Cosmetic or elective procedures may not qualify unless they are deemed essential by a physician.

Contact Us

For more information about our Charity Care Program, or if you need assistance with your application, please contact our financial assistance department at 863-937-7232 or contact@flheartvascular.com.

                                                                                                              CMS and AHCA Compliance

This Charity Care Policy aligns with CMS and AHCA requirements for financial transparency and accessibility. By offering clear eligibility criteria, an organized application process, and income-based discounts, we ensure that patients with financial hardship can access the medical services they need.

  • CMS: This policy follows CMS guidelines for charity care, ensuring patients have access to information and support regarding financial assistance. The policy clearly outlines criteria, including the use of Federal Poverty Guidelines, to ensure compliance.

  • AHCA: The policy complies with AHCA requirements by maintaining a transparent and fair process for determining charity care eligibility and providing necessary medical services to patients who qualify.

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