Council Details Hospitals’ Manny’s Law Noncompliance
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Nearly a quarter of hospitals in New York City are in breach of a state law that requires they post financial assistance information in conspicuous places, a City Council investigation has found. In a survey of 59 hospitals, investigators found that 13 had no signs posted, according to a report released yesterday. Thirty-seven hospitals had posters in two or more areas, nine hospitals had posters in one area only, and one hospital had posters in all areas surveyed.
“The vast majority of city hospitals have begun informing patients about financial support options,” the speaker of the City Council, Christine Quinn, said. “However, it only takes one New Yorker to be denied information at one hospital, and we could have another tragedy on our hands.”
Manny’s Law, which took effect in January, requires hospitals in New York to offer comprehensive financial assistance for uninsured or underinsured patients, and to post language-appropriate information about such aid. The law is named for a 24-year-old Long Island man, Manny Lanza, who died in 2005 after he was allegedly denied treatment for a brain condition because he was unable to pay for care.
The surveys, including site visits and inquiries at billing offices, were conducted between July 9 and August 13. When investigators inquired at hospital billing offices, staff members at 43 hospitals brought up aid programs without prompting.
While staff at eight hospitals discussed aid options when prompted, staff at four hospitals never told investigators about financial aid, including Brookdale University Hospital, New York Community Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and Caritas-Mary Immaculate Hospital.
“While it’s clear that we’ve come a long way, it’s also clear that a lot needs to be done,” Council Member Eric Gioia said at a news conference yesterday to announce the results of the council’s investigation. “This is not an area where you can afford to make a mistake, even an honest mistake.”
In a statement, the Greater New York Hospital Association said: “As Speaker Quinn said, the report shows that the vast majority of city hospitals are in compliance with the law.”
