The WBTV Investigation raises more questions about whether hospitals are complying with state law to notify patients of garnishments and their right to protest.
In Mecklenburg County, just ten percent of people in majority-white communities have medical debt in collections, while in communities of color it’s more than double.
Shane Bare was quickly granted a victory in his appeal for coverage of a live-saving drug to treat his CIDP. It’s a far cry from his last battle against his plan sponor and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services when he had to appeal denials five times before finally winning approval from a judge.
The garnishment process allows hospitals to collect on unpaid medical bills, but a WBTV Investigation raises questions about whether debtors are told about their legal rights to protest the collection.
A new study by the National Academy of State Health Policy found patients who should qualify for free medical care are being charged by hospitals instead.