Lawsuit: Everett hospital hid 'charity care' in the fine print

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

EVERETT — Alexandra Nyfors, 66, didn’t know her kidneys were failing last fall when an ambulance rushed her to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett.

Nyfors, already diabetic, spent two weeks in the hospital because an infection caused her kidneys to shut down. Once discharged, however, Nyfors faced a new problem. She couldn’t afford the $2,000 bill Providence sent her.

“They said I had two options,” Nyfors said. “Straight up pay the $2,000 or pay $162.50 per month. Well, I don’t have $2,000.”

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According to a recent lawsuit from the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, Nyfors’ experience isn’t an isolated incident. The lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, alleges 14 hospitals deceived low-income patients who were eligible for free or discounted hospital care — including Providence in Everett and Swedish Edmonds.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/lawsuit-everett-hospital-hid-charity-care-in-the-fine-print/

[captain queeg]

1. Well, $2000 seems cheap. But if she doesn't have it, it's too much

I’m fortunate to have pretty good insurance but several times I’ve hit the annual out of pocket limit. I think it’s $6000. Health care is responsible for more than half of bankruptcies in the US from what I have heard. My sister asked me if I was worried about money when I retired. I told her no, because I have insurance.