Health systems offering furloughed workers help on medical bills

Regional health systems said Friday they are offering payment flexibility for patients who are feeling the financial effects of the weeks-long partial federal shutdown.  Lawmakers and President Donald Trump on Friday reached a short-term deal to reopen the government through Feb. 15.

New Hyde Park-based Northwell Health said customers who express hardship are eligible for a range of payment options, from placing a temporary hold on the account and avoiding the collections process to seeing if they qualify for financial assistance.

“Northwell Health wants to help federal workers who are being impacted by the government shutdown to ensure that financial concerns are not impeding necessary medical care,” said Richard Miller, executive vice president and chief business strategy officer for Northwell Health.

Those seeking financial support must show proof that they are federal employees.

They can speak with a customer care professional at 800-995-5727 or apply online through Northwell’s financial assistance portal.

Also, South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside said in a statement, it "will work with any patient, including federal employees who have been furloughed, who are experiencing financial hardships."

The hospital, which is part of the Mount Sinai Health System, added, "Finances should not be a barrier to receiving quality care."

Catholic Health Services said all copays, coinsurance and deductibles will be waived for federal workers and their insured family members for emergency care at any one of the health system's six hospitals as long as the government is shut down.

The waiver also includes emergency services provided by CHS’s employed physicians.

Individuals will need to prove they are affected federal employees. Catholic Health Services said people can call 631-465-6209 if they have questions.