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Schedule H, Part I, Line 3c
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THE HOSPITAL FACILITIES OFFER A VARIETY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TO HELP UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED PATIENTS. THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS INCLUDED BELOW PROVIDE FREE OR DISCOUNTED EMERGENCY OR OTHER MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS IF THEY MEET THE ESTABLISHED CRITERIA AND ARE DETERMINED TO BE ELIGIBLE. IN ADDITION TO THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES, THE ORGANIZATIONS USE OTHER FACTORS IN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR FREE AND DISCOUNTED CARE. OTHER FACTORS TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY INCLUDE: - ASSET LEVEL; - MEDICAL INDIGENCY; - INSURANCE STATUS; - RESIDENCY; AND - UNDERINSURANCE STATUS.
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Schedule H, Part I, Line 6a
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BAYSHORE MEDICAL CENTER, JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, RIVERVIEW MEDICAL CENTER, SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER, PALISADES MEDICAL CENTER, HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, HACKENSACKUMC AT PASCACK VALLEY, HACKENSACKUMC MOUNTAINSIDE, ANTHONY M. YELENCSICS COMMUNITY HOSP. (JFK MEDICAL CENTER), JFK JOHNSON REHABILITATION INSTITUTE, HMH CARRIER CLINIC, SHORE REHABILITATION INSTITUTE, AND THE ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDED IN THIS GROUP FORM 990 ARE PART OF AN ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT PREPARED BY HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH, INC., WHICH IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. AT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN, WE RECOGNIZE THAT THE CARE WE PROVIDE THROUGH OUR HOSPITALS AND PARTNER COMPANIES REACHES FAR BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF OUR FACILITIES. OUR MISSION TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE IS AT THE HEART OF OUR CHARITABLE ROOTS. COMMUNITY-BASED PREVENTION AND WELLNESS ACTIVITIES WILL PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN KEEPING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES HEALTHY AND KEEPING HEALTH CARE COSTS DOWN. HACKENSACK MERIDIAN REMAINS COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING ITS MISSION. HACKENSACK MERIDIAN'S 2019 COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT CAN BE REQUESTED AT ANY ONE OF OUR FACILITIES.
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Schedule H, Part I, Line 7
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THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE SUBTRACTED FOR PURPOSES OF CALCULATING THE PERCENTAGE IN THIS COLUMN IS $269,134,882; THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE FOR BAYSHORE MEDICAL CENTER, JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, RIVERVIEW MEDICAL CENTER, SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER, HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, THE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL GROUP, HMH CARRIER CLINIC, AND PALISADES MEDICAL CENTER ("HOSPITALS"). BAYSHORE MEDICAL CENTER, JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, RIVERVIEW MEDICAL CENTER, SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER, HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, THE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL GROUP, HMH CARRIER CLINIC, AND PALISADES MEDICAL CENTER ("HOSPITALS") USE WORKSHEET 2, RATIO OF PATIENT CARE COST TO CHARGES, IN THE IRS FORM 990 SCHEDULE H INSTRUCTIONS TO CALCULATE THE COST TO CHARGE RATIO. IN 2015, THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CLARIFIED IN THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCHEDULE H THAT GROUP RETURNS ARE REQUIRED TO USE TOTAL EXPENSES AS REPORTED IN CORE FORM, PART IX, LINE 25 AS THE DENOMINATOR WHEN CALCULATING THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT PERCENTAGE IN SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7. THE ORGANIZATION FEELS THIS RESULTS IN AN UNDERSTATEMENT OF ITS COMMUNITY BENEFIT PERCENTAGE AS THE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDED IN THE GROUP RETURN DO NOT CONTRIBUTE ANY EXPENSES TO THE NUMERATOR. THEREFORE, THE ORGANIZATION WAS CONSISTENT WITH PRIOR YEARS IN USING THE TOTAL HOSPITALS' EXPENSES IN THE DENOMINATOR TO CALCULATE THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT PERCENTAGE IN SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7. THIS ALLOWS FOR A BETTER COMPARISON TO THE PRIOR YEARS AS THIS METHODOLOGY HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN USED IN THE CALCULATION AS WELL AS A MORE ACCURATE REFLECTION OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITALS. INCLUDED IN THE CALCULATION OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT FOR SUBSIDIZED HEALTH SERVICES IN PART I, LINE 7G AS OFFSETTING REVENUE ARE THE FUNDS RECEIVED FROM FEMA FOR EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO THE COVID19 PANDEMIC. THESE FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED ON A PRORATED BASIS ACROSS THE SUBSIDIZED HEALTH SERVICES. AS PART OF THE HOSPITALS' MISSION SUPPORT, THE ORGANIZATIONS SUBSIDIZE THE LOSS OF ITS NON-PROFIT PHYSICIAN PRACTICES SO THAT THEY CAN PROVIDE MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY. SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7I INCLUDES THIS MISSION SUPPORT AS PART OF THE HOSPITALS' SUBSIDIZED SERVICES.
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Schedule H, Part III, Line 2
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ACCOUNTS THAT REACH THE END OF THE SELF-PAY BILLING CYCLE WITHOUT PAYMENTS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPROVAL ARE TRANSFERRED TO BAD DEBT. UNINSURED PATIENT CHARGES ARE DISCOUNTED. BALANCES AFTER INSURANCE, SUCH AS DEDUCTIBLES, CO-PAYS AND COINSURANCE ARE NOT DISCOUNTED. Hackensack: BAD DEBT EXPENSE WAS CALCULATED USING THE PROVIDERS' BAD DEBT EXPENSE FROM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, NET OF ACCOUNTS WRITTEN OFF AT CHARGES. JFK: ACCOUNTS THAT REACH THE END OF THE BILLING CYCLE WITHOUT PAYMENTS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPROVAL ARE TRANSFERRED TO BAD DEBT.
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Schedule H, Part III, Line 3
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THROUGH THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, ALL SELF-PAY PATIENTS ARE INTERVIEWED. THE AMOUNT REFLECTED ON LINE 3 REPRESENTS THOSE THAT ARE NOT COMPLIANT WITH DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS AND THOSE WHO CANNOT BE CONTACTED, SUCH AS THE HOMELESS OR PATIENTS WHO GIVE ERRONEOUS INFORMATION. NON-ELIGIBLE PATIENTS, BECAUSE THEY ARE OVER INCOME LIMITS, ARE NOT INCLUDED. THE PATIENTS THAT FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY HAVE NO MEANS OF PAYING THEIR BILL. BAD DEBT SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS A COMMUNITY BENEFIT BECAUSE THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES MUCH NEEDED HEALTH CARE SERVICES INDISCRIMINATELY TO THE COMMUNITY-AT-LARGE WITHOUT REGARD TO WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS INSURANCE OR THE ABILITY TO PAY. THE METHODOLOGY USED BY THE ORGANIZATION TO ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT OF ITS BAD DEBT EXPENSE ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENTS ELIGIBLE UNDER THE ORGANIZATION'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY WAS TO APPLY ITS COST TO CHARGE RATIO TO TOTAL SELF-PAY GROSS CHARGES. BAD DEBT SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS A COMMUNITY BENEFIT BECAUSE THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES MUCH NEEDED HEALTH CARE SERVICES INDISCRIMINATELY TO THE COMMUNITY-AT-LARGE WITHOUT REGARD TO WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS INSURANCE OR THE ABILITY TO PAY.
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Schedule H, Part III, Line 4
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THE ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDED IN THIS GROUP FORM 990 FOR WHICH THIS SCHEDULE H IS BEING FILED RECEIVED AN AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT. THE BAD DEBT FOOTNOTES TO THESE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF HACKENSACK MERDIAN HEALTH, INC. CAN BE FOUND ON PAGES 20 & 23.
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Schedule H, Part III, Line 8
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THE ORGANIZATION BELIEVES THAT ITS MEDICARE SHORTFALL ARE COMMUNITY BENEFITS BECAUSE, AS A HOSPITAL, IT IS STEPPING UP TO CARRY THE BURDEN OF THE GOVERNMENT, BY PROMOTING HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AND PROVIDING MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION OR ABILITY TO PAY.
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Schedule H, Part III, Question 9B
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BAYSHORE MEDICAL CENTER, JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, RIVERVIEW MEDICAL CENTER, SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, AND RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER ------------------------------------------------------------------- THE POLICY ON BILLING AND COLLECTION ACTIONS OF BAYSHORE MEDICAL CENTER, JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, RIVERVIEW MEDICAL CENTER, SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, AND RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING PROVISION ON THE COLLECTION PRACTICES TO BE FOLLOWED FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE KNOWN TO QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: CURRENT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ("AR") THAT REACH THE END OF THE SELF-PAY BILLING CYCLE (WHICH CONSISTS OF TWO STATEMENTS AND TWO LETTERS OVER A PERIOD OF APPROXIMATELY 90 DAYS, WITHOUT PAYMENT OR EVIDENCE OF CHARITY CARE ELIGIBILITY) ARE TRANSFERRED TO BAD DEBT AS STIPULATED IN PATIENT ACCOUNTS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. THE SYSTEM ENTITIES DO NOT ENGAGE IN EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION ACTIONS ("ECA") AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL PRIOR TO REASONABLE EFFORTS BEING MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE INDIVIDUAL IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM-ELIGIBLE. FOR THESE PURPOSES, REASONABLE EFFORTS INCLUDE THE POSTING OF SIGNAGE AND NOTICES REGARDING THE SYSTEM'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, THE PROVISION OF A PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY AS PART OF THE HOSPITALS INTAKE PROCESS, THE INCLUSION OF SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ON ALL BILLING STATEMENTS, COMMUNICATING IN PERSON AND BY TELEPHONE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF ASSISTANCE AND, IN CASES WHERE AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED, INFORMING THE PATIENT IN WRITING REGARDING THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE PATIENT'S ELIGIBILITY. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL A SYSTEM ENTITY (EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, BY ANOTHER PERSON ON ITS BEHALF) UNDERTAKE ANY ECA DURING THE 120-DAY PERIOD FOLLOWING THE DATE OF THE FIRST POST-DISCHARGE BILLING STATEMENT ISSUED TO THE PATIENT. A SYSTEM ENTITY MAY SATISFY THE NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO AN INDIVIDUAL'S AGGREGATED OUTSTANDING BILLS AS LONG AS 120 DAYS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE FIRST POST DISCHARGE STATEMENT FOR THE MOST RECENT EPISODE OF CARE INCLUDED IN THE AGGREGATED BILLS. AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE 120 DAY PERIOD, IF A SYSTEM ENTITY INTENDS TO UNDERTAKE AN ECA, THE SYSTEM ENTITY (OR THIRD PARTY ON ITS BEHALF) WILL PROVIDE THE PATIENT WITH A FINAL WRITTEN NOTICE STATING THE SPECIFIC ECAS THAT WILL BE UNDERTAKEN IF PAYMENT IS NOT MADE OR A FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION IS NOT SUBMITTED BEFORE A STATED DEADLINE, WHICH MUST BE AT LEAST 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE NOTICE. THE 30-DAY NOTICE INCLUDES A PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY OF THE SYSTEM'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY. IN KEEPING WITH THE FOREGOING STANDARDS, ONCE A PATIENT ACCOUNT HAS COMPLETED THE SELF-PAY BILLING CYCLE, THE SYSTEM ENTITY WILL FORWARD THE ACCOUNT TO A PRIMARY BAD DEBT COLLECTION AGENCY, WHICH WILL WORK THE ACCOUNT FOR 180 DAYS. ACCOUNTS THAT REMAIN UNPAID AT THE END OF 180-DAYS ARE AUTOMATICALLY REASSIGNED TO A SECONDARY AGENCY FOR AN ADDITIONAL 180-DAYS. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AGENCIES DO NOT PURSUE LEGAL ACTION ON ACCOUNTS. SECONDARY AGENCY PLACEMENT ACCOUNTS THAT REMAIN UNPAID AFTER 180-DAYS ARE REFERRED TO ATTORNEYS. SUCH ATTORNEYS MAY PROVIDE THE 30-DAY NOTICE (DESCRIBED ABOVE) ON BEHALF OF THE SYSTEM ENTITY AND, AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE STATED DEADLINE, MAY INITIATE ECAS ON BEHALF OF THE SYSTEM ENTITY. ECAS WILL INCLUDE JUDGMENTS, LIENS AND GARNISHMENTS AND REPORTING TO CREDIT AGENCIES. ECAS ARE SUSPENDED DURING THIS TIME IF THE PATIENT SUBMITS A FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION. THE HOSPITAL CONTINUES TO ACCEPT AND PROCESS ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS FOR UP TO 24 MONTHS AFTER THE ORIGINAL DATE OF SERVICE. IF THE PATIENT QUALIFIES FOR CHARITY CARE OR THE UNINSURED DISCOUNT, ANY AMOUNTS PREVIOUSLY PAID BY THE PATIENT IN EXCESS OF THEIR DISCOUNTED CHARGES WILL BE REFUNDED AND ANY EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION EFFORTS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN WILL BE REVERSED. PALISADES MEDICAL CENTER ---------------------------------------- Not Applicable. Hackensack University Medical Center -------------------------------------- Not Applicable. JFK Medical Center --------------- BILLING AND COLLECTION PROCEDURES ----------------------------------------------------- ONCE A PATIENT'S CLAIM IS PROCESSED BY THEIR INSURANCE, JFK WILL SEND THE PATIENT A BILL INDICATING THE PATIENT RESPONSIBILITY. ADDITIONALLY, IF A PATIENT HAS NO THIRD-PARTY COVERAGE THEY WILL RECEIVE A BILL INDICATING THEIR PATIENT RESPONSIBILITY. THIS WILL BE THE PATIENTS FIRST POST DISCHARGE BILLING STATEMENT. THE DATE ON THIS STATEMENT WILL BEGIN THE APPLICATION AND NOTIFICATION PERIODS. AFTER THE PATIENT RECEIVES THEIR FIRST POST DISCHARGE BILLING STATEMENT, JFK SENDS OUT 3 ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS (4 TOTAL BILLING STATEMENTS, IN 28 DAY INTERVALS) AND 2 LETTERS. IF PAYMENT HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED AFTER 4 BILLING STATEMENTS, JFK WILL SEND OUT A LETTER INFORMING THE PATIENT IN WRITING THAT THE ACCOUNT WILL BE SENT TO COLLECTIONS IF PAYMENT IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN 30 DAYS. ADDITIONALLY, THE LETTER WILL INCLUDE THE EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION ACTIONS ("ECAS") THAT MAY TAKE PLACE AFTER THE PATIENT ACCOUNT HAS BEEN PLACED IN COLLECTIONS. THE WRITTEN NOTICE WILL ALSO INCLUDE A COPY OF THE ORGANIZATION'S PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY. WHEN BILLING INVOICES ARE RETURNED STATING THE PATIENT EXPIRED OR ARE UNDELIVERABLE AND NO OTHER ADDRESS IS FOUND THE ACCOUNTS GO TO A PRE-COLLECT STATUS FOR FOLLOW-UP AND VALIDATION. COLLECTIONS WITHIN THE BILLING CYCLE JFK MAY SEND ACCOUNTS TO PRE-COLLECT. DURING THIS TIME, THIRD PARTIES ACTING ON BEHALF OF JFK MAY CONTACT THE PATIENTS VIA TELEPHONE TO COLLECT PAYMENT. NO ECAS WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST THE PATIENT WHILE THE ACCOUNT IS IN THE PRE-COLLECTION CYCLE. AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE NOTIFICATION PERIOD, JFK WILL SEND THE PATIENT ACCOUNT TO COLLECTIONS. COLLECTION AGENCY TECHNIQUES TO COLLECT PAYMENT WILL INCLUDE TELEPHONE CALLS, LETTERS AND CERTAIN ECAS. ALL OF THEIR ACTIVITIES WILL BE COMPLETELY DOCUMENTED WITHIN THE BILLING SYSTEM AND WILL FOLLOW ALL GUIDELINES OF STATE REGULATIONS GOVERNING COLLECTION AGENCIES. IF COLLECTION AGENCIES ARE THEREAFTER UNSUCCESSFUL (FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED 180 DAYS) THE PATIENT ACCOUNT WILL BE RETURNED TO JFK. AT THE TIME THE ACCOUNT IS RETURNED, THE COLLECTION AGENCY WILL INCLUDE COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION OF THEIR ACTIVITIES AND FINDINGS WHEN COMMUNICATION IS MADE WITH THE PATIENT AS WELL AS THE DATE THE ACCOUNT IS RETURNED BACK TO JFK. COMPLIANCE WITH IRC 501(R)(6) ---------------------------------------------- IN ACCORDANCE WITH IRC 501(R)(6), JFK DOES NOT ENGAGE IN ANY ECAS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE NOTIFICATION PERIOD. SUBSEQUENT TO THE NOTIFICATION PERIOD JFK, OR ANY THIRD PARTIES ACTING ON ITS BEHALF, MAY INITIATE THE FOLLOWING ECAS AGAINST A PATIENT FOR AN UNPAID BALANCE IF A FAP-ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION HAS NOT BEEN MADE OR IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS INELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: - REPORTING ADVERSE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INDIVIDUAL TO CONSUMER CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES OR CREDIT BUREAUS; - PLACING A LIEN ON AN INDIVIDUAL'S PROPERTY; - FORECLOSING ON AN INDIVIDUAL'S REAL PROPERTY; - ATTACHING OR SEIZING AN INDIVIDUAL'S BANK ACCOUNT OR OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY; - COMMENCING A CIVIL ACTION AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL; AND - GARNISHING AN INDIVIDUAL'S WAGES. JFK MAY AUTHORIZE THIRD PARTIES TO INITIATE ECAS ON DELINQUENT PATIENT ACCOUNTS AFTER THE NOTIFICATION PERIOD. THEY WILL ENSURE REASONABLE EFFORTS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO DETERMINE WHETHER AN INDIVIDUAL IS ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THIS FAP AND WILL TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS AT LEAST 30 DAYS PRIOR TO INITIATING ANY ECAS: 1. THE PATIENT WILL BE PROVIDED WITH WRITTEN NOTICE WHICH: (A) INDICATES THAT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE PATIENTS; (B) IDENTIFIES THE ECAS THAT JFK INTENDS TO INITIATE TO OBTAIN PAYMENT FOR THE CARE; AND (C) STATES A DEADLINE AFTER WHICH SUCH ECAS MAY BE INITIATED. 2. THE PATIENT HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THE PLS WITH THIS WRITTEN NOTIFICATION; AND 3. REASONABLE EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ORALLY NOTIFY THE INDIVIDUAL ABOUT THE FAP AND HOW THE INDIVIDUAL MAY OBTAIN ASSISTANCE WITH THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION PROCESS. JFK, AND THIRD PARTY VENDORS ACTING ON THEIR BEHALF, WILL ACCEPT AND PROCESS ALL APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE UNDER THIS POLICY SUBMITTED DURING THE APPLICATION PERIOD. HMH CARRIER CLINIC --------------- SUMMARY OF BILLING AND COLLECTION PROCEDURES THE HOSPITAL WILL MAKE DILIGENT EFFORT TO DETERMINE THE PATIENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS SOON AS REASONABLY POSSIBLE, THE DAY OF ADMISSION OR WITHIN FEW DAYS OF ADMISSION. ESTIMATED AMOUNT DUE WILL BE BASED ON THE INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE BENEFIT AND MAY INCLUDE DEDUCTIBLE, CO-PAY AND CO-INSURANCE. THE HOSPITAL WILL MAKE ITS BEST EFFORT TO ADVISE ALL PATIENTS AND/OR FAMILIES OF ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, COVERAGE LIMITATIO
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Schedule H, Part VI, Question 2
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IN ADDITION TO THE INFORMATION REPORTED IN SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION B, QUESTIONS 1 THROUGH 12, THE ORGANIZATIONS ASSESS THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE AS FOLLOWS: 1. ACCESS TO CARE/SERVICES IS ASSESSED REGULARLY TO IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE NETWORK ADEQUACY RELATIVE TO THE AVAILABILITY OF MEDICAL MANPOWER AND SITES OF SERVICE; 2. UTILIZATION IS TRACKED BY HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH ("HMH") OPERATIONAL LEADERS RELATIVE TO CAPACITY AND ABILITY TO ACCOMMODATE DEMAND. WHERE POTENTIAL CAPACITY AND THROUGHPUT CONCERNS ARE IDENTIFIED, FURTHER ASSESSMENTS ARE PERFORMED AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS ARE IDENTIFIED; AND 3. FOR KEY SERVICES, HMH HAS DEVELOPED CARE TRANSFORMATION SERVICE TEAMS TO ACCESS SERVICE-SPECIFIC NEEDS AND DEVELOP PLANS TO ADDRESS.
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Schedule H, Part VI, Question 3
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IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(R)(4) THE HOSPITALS INFORM AND EDUCATE PATIENTS AND PERSONS WHO MAY BE BILLED FOR PATIENT CARE ABOUT THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY WIDELY PUBLICIZING VARIOUS DOCUMENTS. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE WIDELY PUBLICIZED IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: - THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY ("FAP"), APPLICATION AND PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY ("PLS") ARE ALL AVAILABLE ON-LINE; - PAPER COPIES OF THE FAP, APPLICATION AND PLS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST BY MAIL, WITHOUT CHARGE, AND ARE PROVIDED IN VARIOUS AREAS THROUGHOUT THE HOSPITALS INCLUDING MAIN REGISTRATION DESK, EMERGENCY ROOM, AND PATIENT FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT; - ALL PATIENTS ARE OFFERED A COPY OF THE PLS AS PART OF THE PATIENT ACCESS/INTAKE PROCESS; - SIGNS OR DISPLAYS ARE POSTED IN PUBLIC LOCATIONS INCLUDING MAIN REGISTRATION DESK, EMERGENCY ROOM, AND PATIENT FINANCIAL SERVICES OFFICES THAT NOTIFY AND INFORM PATIENTS ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; AND - THE FAP, APPLICATIONS AND PLS ARE AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND IN THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE OF POPULATIONS WITH LIMITED PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH ("LEP") THAT CONSTITUTE THE LESSER OF 1,000 INDIVIDUALS OR 5% OF THE COMMUNITY SERVED BY THE HOSPITALS' PRIMARY SERVICE AREAS. TRANSLATED VERSIONS FAP ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST IN PERSON AT THE ADDRESS ABOVE AND ON THE HOSPITAL WEBSITES.
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Schedule H, Part VI, Question 4
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THE 15 HOSPITALS INCLUDED IN THIS FORM 990, SCHEDULE H SERVE THE COMMUNITIES OF MONMOUTH, OCEAN, MIDDLESEX, HUDSON, BERGEN, AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN NEW JERSEY. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BY COUNTY IS BASED ON RECENT CENSUS ESTIMATES: MONMOUTH COUNTY ------------------------- POPULATION, 2020: 643,615 UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 4.9% UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 20.9% 65 YEARS OLD AND OVER, 2020: 18.2% PERSONS BELOW POVERTY LEVEL, 2015-2019: 6.2% MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME, 2015-2019: $ 99,733 RACIAL COMPOSITION, 2020: WHITE: 75.1% AFRICAN AMERICAN: 7.5% ASIAN: 5.6% HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN: 11.1% OTHER: 0.4% OCEAN COUNTY ----------------- POPULATION, 2020: 637,229 UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 7.1% UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 24.2% 65 YEARS OLD AND OVER, 2020: 22.8% PERSONS BELOW POVERTY LEVEL, 2015-2019: 9.0% MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME, 2015-2019: $70,909 RACIAL COMPOSITION, 2020: WHITE: 84.3% AFRICAN AMERICAN: 3.6% ASIAN: 1.9% HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN: 9.5% OTHER: 0.3% MIDDLESEX COUNTY ---------------------- POPULATION, 2020: 863,162 UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 5.7% UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 21.7% 65 YEARS OLD AND OVER, 2020: 15.5% PERSONS BELOW POVERTY LEVEL, 2015-2019: 8.5% MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME, 201,-2019: $89,533 RACIAL COMPOSITION, 2020: WHITE: 41.7% AFRICAN AMERICAN: 12% ASIAN: 24.9% HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN: 22.1% OTHER: 0.8% HUDSON COUNTY --------------------- POPULATION, 2020: 724,854 UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 6.9% UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 20.3% 65 YEARS OLD AND OVER, 2020: 12.2% PERSONS BELOW POVERTY LEVEL, 2015-2019: 13.7% MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME, 2015-2019: $71,189 RACIAL COMPOSITION, 2020: WHITE: 29% AFRICAN AMERICAN: 14.8% ASIAN: 16.4% HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN: 42.7% OTHER: 1.3% BERGEN COUNTY -------------------- POPULATION, 2020: 955,732 UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 5.3% UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 21.1% 65 YEARS OLD AND OVER, 2020: 17.7% PERSONS BELOW POVERTY LEVEL, 2015-2019: 5.7% MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME, 2014-2019: $101,144 RACIAL COMPOSITION, 2020: WHITE: 55.1% AFRICAN AMERICAN: 7.4% ASIAN: 17% HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN: 21% OTHER: 0.6% SOMERSET COUNTY -------------------- POPULATION, 2020: 345,361 UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 5.0% UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, 2020: 21.5% 65 YEARS OLD AND OVER, 2020: 16.2% PERSONS BELOW POVERTY LEVEL, 2015-2019: 5.4% MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME, 2015-2019: $113,611 RACIAL COMPOSITION, 2020: WHITE: 54.8% AFRICAN AMERICAN: 10.5% ASIAN: 18.8% HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN: 15.2% OTHER: 0.5%
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Schedule H, Part VI, Question 5
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PATIENT CARE Patient care is at the very center of HMH's heart with a mission to transform health care and be recognized as a leader of positive change. HMH's vision and core beliefs can be seen by the extraordinary care it provides to patients where there is very little hope in some complex cases and the need for innovation and advancements in medicine. Some examples include performing a surgery that has never been performed to save a newborn's life when his brain was growing outside of his skull, assisting patients who have survived heart attack with newer ventricular assisting devices, doing stem cell injection trials to restore damages to the brain after patients suffer a stroke, treating various types of cancer and using genetic testing for those at risk to aid prevention, and amazing spinal surgeries to allow a better way of life and save lives. These stories and more are highlighted on HMHforU.org. PARTNERSHIPS In 2020, the convalescent plasma program started early in the COVID-19 pandemic at Hackensack University Medical Center. It is a partnership between John Theurer Cancer Center clinicians and scientists at the CDI, Center for Discovery and Innovation. The antibodies produced by survivors of SARS-CoV-2 infection are screened, and so-called "super donors" with high levels of neutralizing antibodies are collected and then infused into infected patients. The most recent results published by Michele Donato, M.D. and David Perlin, Ph.D. and their teams, in the JCI Insights, showed that infusing high levels of antibodies early in the infection shows great therapeutic promise. The program was profiled by 60 Minutes and The New York Times, among others - and the ongoing outpatient research is funded by a major grant from the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition, Hackensack Meridian Health partnered with Fulfill, the Foodbank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, to develop a meal preparation and delivery service for patients and team members who have been impacted by COVID-19. Meals were also made available for mother/baby, and cancer patients in need of assistance. 116 meals provided to patients per day as needed. FACILITIES While we continued to propel medicine and innovation forward during the COVID-19 pandemic, we also remained on track with a number of important facility advancements. Below is a snapshot of major construction projects that took place in 2020 and early 2021 that are improving access to care for the community, and enhancing the patient experience. Progress continues at Hackensack University Medical Center with development of the new Helena Theurer Pavilion. In January 2021, the building's final beam was added and a topping off ceremony took place to mark the important milestone. Once completed in Fall 2022, the impressive ninestory, 530,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will include 24 operating rooms, a 50-bed Intensive Care Unit and 150 medical/surgical private patient rooms, including a 50-bed Orthopedic Institute. The construction of the pavilion is currently one of the largest and most comprehensive health care construction projects in the U.S. and is set to transform the Hackensack University Medical Center campus and greatly enhance the patient experience. In addition, Hackensack University Medical Center recently completed construction of its Central Utility Plant (CUP). The CUP provides power and utilities to the entire campus in a more efficient and effective way. The new 43,500-square-foot facility and upgraded electrical service houses the boilers, steam equipment, chillers, cooling towers and emergency generators. This provides the hospital with enhanced capacity while also providing energy efficiency and consolidating utilities that were previously spread across campus into one central location. In February 2021, we opened the first phase of The Retreat & Recovery At Ramapo Valley. The behavioral health facility sits on a 40-acre campus that offers a serene and historic setting for individuals. This first phase opening provides outpatient addiction services, and a 48-bed inpatient facility and detox services are scheduled to open in 2022 to provide a full array of behavioral health care services. Within a few years, there are also plans for continued expansion to 90 beds. The Retreat & Recovery at Ramapo Valley provides a safe and nurturing space that fosters an environment for healing and personal growth. The opening of this important facility is part of our commitment to dramatically improve behavioral health care services in the state. Jersey Shore University Medical Center opened a new cardiac catheterization laboratory in early 2021. The lab upgrades the academic medical center's services in treating heart disease. It is equipped with GE Healthcare's advanced Innova IGS 520 image guided system, providing physicians with technology to perform a range of leading-edge cardiovascular and electrophysiology, diagnostic and interventional procedures, including advanced transcatheter aortic valve replacement and transcatheter mitral valve repair. Volume continues to grow as Jersey Shore University Medical Center has the only open and minimally invasive heart surgery program in Monmouth and Ocean counties, as well as cardiac technology and treatment options unavailable anywhere else in the region. Ocean Medical Center's New Heart And Vascular Center - a $19.5 million investment that encompasses 17,750 square feet above the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Emergency Care Center - will combine the hospital's cardiovascular services in one convenient location. Scheduled to open in Fall 2022, the Heart & Vascular Center will feature three multi-purpose catheterization/ vascular labs and hybrid ORs that allow for diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular conditions in an advanced, collaborative environment. Two labs will be fully equipped hybrid rooms plus a shell space for a third lab to allow for growth. There will also be ten dedicated prep and recovery rooms. This cutting-edge cardiovascular suite will enable cardiologists and vascular surgeons to provide exceptional care and a great patient experience. The new Dr. Robert H. Harris Emergency Care Center At Bayshore Medical Center will be a state-of-the-art, 32,000 square foot facility which will expand the hospital's emergency department capacity to 35 private patient bays and provide a significantly enhanced patient experience. It will be home to the latest technology, including imaging equipment dedicated to the Emergency Department, with the ability to treat approximately 55,000 people annually. This project will expand emergency service capabilities to the community, enhancing access to advanced medical care and repositioning the campus to better meet the needs of our patients. Set to open on July 22, 2021, the new Dr. Robert H. Harris Emergency Care Center is ahead of schedule and on budget. Palisades Medical Center in Spring 2021 opened a new 7,500-square-foot rehabilitation center for outpatient physical and occupational therapy services. Patients receive therapeutic services using state of the art equipment in separate, spacious areas designated for children and for adults. Overlooking beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, the facility joins other services and centers located in the building, including the John Theurer Cancer Center, the Sleep and Wake Center, Breast Center and the patient care offices of the Palisades Women's Group. Raritan Bay Medical Center Perth Amboy unveiled its new Pediatric Care Center in August 2020. The new Pediatric Care Center is specially designed to meet the emergency needs of sick and injured children while maximizing comfort, increasing efficiency and reducing wait times. Located next to the adult emergency department, the Pediatric Care Center's bright and cheerful environment puts children at ease with private observation rooms and treatment bays specifically designed to support pediatric patient needs. It also features an exceptional team of board-certified physicians, magnet-recognized certified nurses, expertly trained emergency care nurses and nurse practitioners, who specialize in pediatric care. Additionally, the center has multilingual team members committed to improving the emergency care experience. Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge opened a new inpatient diagnostic imaging suite in October 2020. The new suite features larger rooms and a brand new state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) scanner and X-ray machine. The new, self-contained suite is part of the hospital's new Emergency Department. The new CT scanner is a multi-detector scanner, which provides vivid, three-dimensional imaging for diagnosing numerous medical conditions. The technology is especially helpful for angiography, or vascular studies, allowing many patients to avoid more invasive diagnostic procedures. In addition, the new X-ray machine is a digital, low-radiation machine that provides imaging of the head, neck, ch
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Schedule H, Part VI, Question 6
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HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH, INC. ("HMH") IS THE TAX-EXEMPT PARENT OF HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH ("NETWORK"). THIS INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE DELIVERY NETWORK CONSISTS OF A GROUP OF AFFILIATED HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS. THE SOLE MEMBER OR STOCKHOLDER OF EACH ENTITY IS EITHER HMH OR ANOTHER NETWORK AFFILIATE CONTROLLED BY HMH. THE NETWORK IS AN INTEGRATED NETWORK OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS THROUGHOUT NEW JERSEY. HMH IS AN ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS TAX-EXEMPT PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) AND AS A SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 509(A)(3). AS THE CENTRAL ORGANIZATION IN THE GROUP RULING OF THE TAX-EXEMPT ENTITIES INCLUDED IN THIS GROUP TAX RETURN, HMH STRIVES TO CONTINUALLY DEVELOP AND OPERATE A MULTI-HOSPITAL HEALTHCARE NETWORK WHICH PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A COMPREHENSIVE SPECTRUM OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS OF NEW JERSEY. HMH ENSURES THAT ITS NETWORK PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION OR ABILITY TO PAY. NO INDIVIDUALS ARE DENIED NECESSARY MEDICAL CARE, TREATMENT OR SERVICES. THE NETWORK'S ACTIVE HOSPITALS INCLUDE: - HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, - JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, - RIVERVIEW MEDICAL CENTER, - OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER, - BAYSHORE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, - K. HOVNANIAN CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, - RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER, - PALISADES MEDICAL CENTER, - HMH CARRIER CLINIC, - JFK MEDICAL CENTER, - MOUNTAINSIDE MEDICAL CENTER, AND - PASCACK VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER EACH OF THESE HOSPITALS OPERATES CONSISTENTLY WITH THE CRITERIA OUTLINED IN IRS REVENUE RULING 69-545. PLEASE REFER TO SCHEDULE R FOR A LISTING OF ALL AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS. QUALITY, SAFETY AND CONSISTENCY ARE AT THE CORE OF WHAT WE BRING TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW JERSEY AND TO THOSE WHO TRAVEL HERE FOR OUR CARE AND SERVICES. THE PHYSICIANS AND CAREGIVERS FROM HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH ARE AMONG THE FINEST IN THE NATION - STREAMLINING CARE, PUTTING THEIR HEARTS AND MINDS INTO THE CARE THEY PROVIDE, OFFERING PATIENTS MORE OPTIONS AND DISCOVERING AND INNOVATING FOR TOMORROW. HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH COMBINES THE EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION OF ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS WITH THE CONVENIENCE AND COMPASSION OF COMMUNITY-BASED CARE AND SERVICES. THE NETWORK CONSISTS OF 13 HOSPITALS, INCLUDING TWO ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS, TWO CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS, NINE ACUTE CARE HOSPITALS, PHYSICIAN PRACTICES, MORE THAN 120 AMBULATORY CARE CENTERS, SURGERY CENTERS, HOME HEALTH SERVICES, LONG-TERM CARE AND ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES, AMBULANCE SERVICES, LIFESAVING AIR MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION, FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTERS, REHABILITATION CENTERS AND URGENT CARE AND AFTER-HOURS CENTERS. HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH ALSO TRAINS TOMORROW'S DOCTORS AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND CONDUCTS SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH THAT RESULTS IN NEW WAYS OF PREVENTING AND TREATING DISEASE. HIGH ON THE LIST OF MILESTONES WILL BE THE OPENING IN JULY 2018 OF HACKENSACK MERIDIAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY, THE ONLY PRIVATE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE IN NEW JERSEY, TO FURTHER PUNCTUATE HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH'S FOCUS ON ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE WILL OFFER A UNIQUE APPROACH IN WHICH STUDENTS FROM NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES WILL TAKE CLASSES WITH FUTURE DOCTORS TO PRODUCE TEAM-BASED CARE THAT PROVIDES MORE COLLABORATIVE CARE AND BETTER OUTCOMES. BY COMBINING AND SHARING RESOURCES AND IDENTIFYING EFFICIENCIES, HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH IS PROVIDING PATIENTS WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY CARE AT THE MOST APPROPRIATE COST, MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE LARGER COMMUNITIES IT SERVES AND ENHANCING ITS ABILITY TO BE INNOVATIVE IN THE DELIVERY OF CARE.
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Schedule H, Part VI, Question 7
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NOT APPLICABLE. THE ENTITY AND RELATED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS ARE LOCATED IN NEW JERSEY. NO COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT IS FILED WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY. HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH PREPARES AN ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT WHICH IT MAKES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
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