By Monique Coppola, Public News Service-VA
Medical costs remain the nation’s No. 1 cause of bankruptcies, and for many of Virginia’s poorest people, health issues take a back burner to essentials such as food and shelter. However, an attorney with Virginia Poverty Law Center says more help is available than some people realize.
Jill Hanken says many hospitals in Virginia offer free or discounted medical services for people who qualify.
“It varies from hospital to hospital. Some limit their charity care to only emergencies, others will have limitations. For example, they won’t cover cosmetic surgery. They won’t cover planned stays.”
Published April 20, 2012