Aid programs in Clark County improve health care for low-income patients

About half of low-income American adults have trouble paying medical bills each year. They may not know that hospitals offer financial assistance, which recent research indicates increases access to health care and improves management of conditions including diabetes.

Kaiser Permanente started its financial assistance program nearly two decades ago. It’s based on income and covers payments for emergency, urgent or necessary medical costs and pharmacy services at Kaiser Permanente. PeaceHealth and Legacy Health also provide financial assistance programs.

“A lot of folks, they can’t afford health care. They put off medical services because they can’t afford things. So it’s really about coming together and helping our community,” said Kristie Williams of Kaiser Permanente’s financial medical program.

It provides financial assistance for those with a household income at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty line, which is $15,060 a year for individuals. Washington requires hospitals to provide charity care to patients with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

A 2022 study of the effects of financial assistance on health care used administrative data from Kaiser Permanente. The study found financial assistance programs increased visits to emergency departments and clinics, as well as stays in the hospital. The assistance programs also boosted diagnosis and management of illness, indicating it leads to better care, according to the study.

Kaiser Permanente staff said the program helps people get back on track after an illness, especially those who are very low income or experiencing homelessness.

“If people aren’t well, they aren’t going to be able to improve their conditions in any other way — they aren’t going to have success at accessing employment or housing,” Kaiser Permanente spokeswoman Kimberly Mounts said. “So this program is one of the many … priorities with working with the community.”