Statement from Community Health Systems:
A hospital’s “list price” or charge is not the same as what it is paid
for the services provided. Our average reimbursement rates are
substantially less than gross charges. The government decides
how much it will pay for care provided to Medicare and Medicaid
patients. Commercial payors negotiate rates with hospitals on
behalf of their members. They, along with a patient’s employer,
determine how much responsibility the consumer will have for the
negotiated rate when covered by their plans.
Each of our affiliated hospitals has financial counselors who work
with patients to help them understand their individual situation
and insurance coverage. For patients who don’t have insurance,
our hospitals provide discounts and offer interest-free payment
plans after the discount is applied. Our hospitals also maintain
charity care policies and provide charity care for patients who
qualify.