Indigent care refers to medical services provided to individuals who are unable to afford healthcare due to poverty or financial hardship. It encompasses a range of services, from preventive care to emergency treatment, offered either free of charge or at reduced costs.
Healthcare facilities or organizations that offer indigent care services to uninsured or underinsured individuals. These providers often include community health centers, free clinics, and public hospitals.
Healthcare services provided by hospitals or healthcare facilities at no cost or reduced cost to low-income and uninsured patients. Charity care is often a component of indigent care programs.
Medical treatment provided by healthcare providers for which no payment is received. This includes care provided to indigent patients who cannot afford to pay, as well as bad debt resulting from unpaid medical bills.
A payment system used by some healthcare facilities to determine charges for services based on patients’ ability to pay. Under this system, fees are adjusted according to patients’ income levels and family size, ensuring affordability for indigent individuals.
Geographic regions or communities with limited access to primary care, dental care, or mental health services due to factors such as poverty, lack of healthcare providers, or geographic isolation. Indigent care programs often target these areas to address healthcare disparities.
Differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare services among different population groups, often linked to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or geographic location. Indigent care initiatives aim to reduce health disparities by improving access to care for underserved populations.
Programs offered by pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations to provide free or discounted medications to indigent patients who cannot afford prescription drugs. These programs help improve medication adherence and manage chronic conditions among low-income individuals.
A platform established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) where individuals and families can compare and purchase health insurance plans. While the marketplace offers subsidies to lower the cost of insurance for low-income individuals, some indigent patients may still face barriers to obtaining coverage due to factors such as eligibility requirements or affordability.
A process conducted by healthcare organizations to identify the most pressing health needs within their communities, including issues related to indigent care. CHNAs help inform the development of targeted interventions and resource allocation to address health disparities and improve access to care for vulnerable populations.