Unable to pay, behind on her other bills and working reduced hours during the pandemic, Johana sought assistance from Florida Health Justice Project (FHJP). FHJP contacted Jackson to remind the hospital about the HRSA program. FHJP received assurance from Jackson officials that Johana’s claim would be submitted to HRSA for reimbursement. Instead, months later, the bill was sent to collections.

FHJP has also repeatedly urged Jackson to provide information to patients regarding the program and to publicize the program on its website.

It is important that information about free testing and treatment for COVID for uninsured residents be widely shared. Some patients, unaware they are not financially responsible, pay small amounts from their limited income to avoid collections and protect their credit. Some fear unpaid bills could be used against them in immigration cases. Others may avoid seeking timely care for fear of incurring a large bill.
 
Surprise billing from hospitals and healthcare providers isn’t limited to Covid tests. Some uninsured patients have erroneously received bills for treatment and hospitalizations.
 
That’s the situation Z.B. faced, after a five-day hospital stay. Uninsured at the time, Z.B. was thankful she received excellent care that enabled her to survive the harrowing experience.
 
But then she got a $30,000 bill from the hospital. Z.B. also sought assistance from FHJP and was eventually able to have the debt paid by the special federal Covid relief program that reimburses certain hospitals.