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PART I, LINE 3C
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THE INCOME BASED CRITERIA USED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY IS PER NEW JERSEY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 10:52 SUB CHAPTERS 11, 12 AND 13, AND BASED UPON THE 2021 POVERTY GUIDELINES (DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SENIOR SERVICES). FPG ARE INCLUDED IN THE CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR CHARITY AND DISCOUNTED CARE.
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SCHEDULE H, PART I; QUESTION 6A
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NOT APPLICABLE.
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SCHEDULE H, PART I; QUESTION 7G
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NO COSTS RELATING TO SUBSIDIZED HEALTHCARE SERVICES ARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ANY PHYSICIAN CLINICS.
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SCHEDULE H, PART I, QUESTION 7
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WORKSHEET 2 WAS USED FOR THE COST TO CHARGE RATIO.
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SCHEDULE H, PART II
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THE PRIMARY ACTIVITY IS SUBSIDIZED HOUSING FOR THE MEDICAL RESIDENTS OF HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER.
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SCHEDULE H, PART III, SECTION A; QUESTIONS 2,3 AND 4
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BAD DEBT EXPENSE WAS CALCULATED USING THE PROVIDERS' BAD DEBT EXPENSE FROM ITS INTERNAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. THE ORGANIZATION ISSUED AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. THE ORGANIZATION'S ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (BAD DEBT EXPENSE) METHODOLOGY AND CHARITY CARE POLICIES ARE CONSISTENTLY APPLIED. BELOW DESCRIBES IT IN MORE DETAIL: Patient accounts receivable are recorded when there is an unconditional right to payment, subject only to the passage of time. Patient accounts receivable, including billed accounts and unbilled accounts, which have the unconditional right to payment, and estimated amounts due from third-party payors for retroactive adjustments, are recorded as receivables since the right to consideration is unconditional and only the passage of time is required before payment of that consideration is due. The estimated uncollectible amounts are generally considered implicit price concessions that are recorded as a direct reduction to patient accounts receivable rather than an allowance for doubtful accounts. Charity care and uncompensated care In furtherance of its charitable purpose, the System provides a wide variety of benefits to the community, including offering various community-based social service programs, such as health screenings, training for emergency service personnel, social service and support counseling for patients and families, pastoral care and crisis intervention. Additionally, a large number of health-related educational programs are provided for the benefit of the community, including health enhancements and wellness, classes on specific conditions, telephone information services and costs related to programs designed to improve the general standards of the health of the community. The System provides medical care without charge or at reduced costs to residents of its community who meet the criteria under the state regulation for charity care. The definition of charity care includes services provided at no charge or at a reduced charge to patients who are uninsured or underinsured. The System maintain records to identify and monitor the level of charity care it provides. These records support the amount of charges foregone from services and supplies furnished under its charity care policy. Because the System does not pursue collection of amounts determined to qualify as charity care, they are not reported as revenues. An overall cost to charge ratio was applied to arrive at the cost of charity care. As a result, the cost of providing charity care was $4,749,000 and $4,221,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The State of New Jersey provides certain subsidy payments to qualified hospitals to partially fund uncompensated care and certain other costs. Subsidy payments recognized as revenues amounted to $330,000 and $371,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are included in other revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and changes in net assets.
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SCHEDULE H, PART III, SECTION B; QUESTION 8
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MEDICARE COSTS WERE DERIVED FROM THE 2022 MEDICARE COST REPORT. MEDICARE UNDERPAYMENTS AND BAD DEBT ARE COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND ASSOCIATED COSTS ARE INCLUDABLE ON THE FORM 990, SCHEDULE H, PART I. THE ORGANIZATION DID NOT INCLUDE MEDICARE UNDERPAYMENTS (SHORTFALL) AND BAD DEBT IN THE CALCULATION OF THEIR COMMUNITY BENEFIT PERCENTAGE. HOWEVER THE ORGANIZATION FEELS THAT MEDICARE UNDERPAYMENTS (SHORTFALL) AND BAD DEBT ARE COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND ASSOCIATED COSTS SHOULD BE INCLUDABLE ON THE FORM 990, SCHEDULE H, PART I. AS OUTLINED MORE FULLY BELOW THE ORGANIZATION BELIEVES THAT THESE SERVICES AND RELATED COSTS PROMOTE THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AND ARE RENDERED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S CHARITABLE TAX-EXEMPT PURPOSES AND MISSION IN PROVIDING MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUAL'S IN A NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION OR ABILITY TO PAY AND CONSISTENT WITH THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT STANDARD PROMULGATED BY THE IRS. THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT STANDARD IS THE CURRENT STANDARD FOR A HOSPITAL FOR RECOGNITION AS A TAX-EXEMPT AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION UNDER INTERNAL REVENUE CODE ("IRC") 501(C)(3). THE ORGANIZATION IS RECOGNIZED AS A TAX-EXEMPT ENTITY AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION UNDER 501(C)(3) OF THE IRC. ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO DEFINITION IN THE TAX CODE FOR THE TERM "CHARITABLE" A REGULATION PROMULGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY PROVIDES SOME GUIDANCE AND STATES THAT "[T]HE TERM CHARITABLE IS USED IN 501(C)(3) IN ITS GENERALLY ACCEPTED LEGAL SENSE,PROVIDES EXAMPLES OF CHARITABLE PURPOSES, INCLUDING THE RELIEF OF THE POOR OR UNPRIVILEGED; THE PROMOTION OF SOCIAL WELFARE; AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION, RELIGION, AND SCIENCE. NOTE IT DOES NOT EXPLICITLY ADDRESS THE ACTIVITIES OF HOSPITALS. IN THE ABSENCE OF EXPLICIT STATUTORY OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS APPLYING THE TERM "CHARITABLE" TO HOSPITALS, IT HAS BEEN LEFT TO THE IRS TO DETERMINE THE CRITERIA HOSPITALS MUST MEET TO QUALIFY AS IRC 501(C)(3) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS. THE ORIGINAL STANDARD WAS KNOWN AS THE CHARITY CARE STANDARD. THIS STANDARD WAS REPLACED BY THE IRS WITH THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT STANDARD WHICH IS THE CURRENT STANDARD. CHARITY CARE STANDARD IN 1956, THE IRS ISSUED REVENUE RULING 56-185, WHICH ADDRESSED THE REQUIREMENTS HOSPITALS NEEDED TO MEET IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR IRC 501(C)(3) STATUS. ONE OF THESE REQUIREMENTS IS KNOWN AS THE "CHARITY CARE STANDARD." UNDER THE STANDARD, A HOSPITAL HAD TO PROVIDE, TO THE EXTENT OF ITS FINANCIAL ABILITY, FREE OR REDUCED-COST CARE TO PATIENTS UNABLE TO PAY FOR IT. A HOSPITAL THAT EXPECTED FULL PAYMENT DID NOT, ACCORDING TO THE RULING, PROVIDE CHARITY CARE BASED ON THE FACT THAT SOME PATIENTS ULTIMATELY FAILED TO PAY. THE RULING EMPHASIZED THAT A LOW LEVEL OF CHARITY CARE DID NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT A HOSPITAL HAD FAILED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT SINCE THAT LEVEL COULD REFLECT ITS FINANCIAL ABILITY TO PROVIDE SUCH CARE. THE RULING ALSO NOTED THAT PUBLICLY SUPPORTED COMMUNITY HOSPITALS WOULD NORMALLY QUALIFY AS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS BECAUSE THEY SERVE THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, AND A LOW LEVEL OF CHARITY CARE WOULD NOT AFFECT A HOSPITAL'S EXEMPT STATUS IF IT WAS DUE TO THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY'S LACK OF CHARITABLE DEMANDS. COMMUNITY BENEFIT STANDARD IN 1969, THE IRS ISSUED REVENUE RULING 69-545, WHICH "REMOVE[D]" FROM REVENUE RULING 56-185 "THE REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO CARING FOR PATIENTS WITHOUT CHARGE OR AT RATES BELOW COST." UNDER THE STANDARD DEVELOPED IN REVENUE RULING 69-545, WHICH IS KNOWN AS THE "COMMUNITY BENEFIT STANDARD," HOSPITALS ARE JUDGED ON WHETHER THEY PROMOTE THE HEALTH OF A BROAD CLASS OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY. THE RULING INVOLVED A HOSPITAL THAT ONLY ADMITTED INDIVIDUALS WHO COULD PAY FOR THE SERVICES (BY THEMSELVES, PRIVATE INSURANCE, OR PUBLIC PROGRAMS SUCH AS MEDICARE), BUT OPERATED A FULL-TIME EMERGENCY ROOM THAT WAS OPEN TO EVERYONE. THE IRS RULED THAT THE HOSPITAL QUALIFIED AS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION BECAUSE IT PROMOTED THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE IN ITS COMMUNITY. THE IRS REASONED THAT BECAUSE THE PROMOTION OF HEALTH WAS A CHARITABLE PURPOSE ACCORDING TO THE GENERAL LAW OF CHARITY, IT FELL WITHIN THE "GENERALLY ACCEPTED LEGAL SENSE" OF THE TERM "CHARITABLE," AS REQUIRED BY TREAS. REG. 1.501(C)(3)-1(D)(2). THE IRS RULING STATED THAT THE PROMOTION OF HEALTH, LIKE THE RELIEF OF POVERTY AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION AND RELIGION, IS ONE OF THE PURPOSES IN THE GENERAL LAW OF CHARITY THAT IS DEEMED BENEFICIAL TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE EVEN THOUGH THE CLASS OF BENEFICIARIES ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A DIRECT BENEFIT FROM ITS ACTIVITIES DOES NOT INCLUDE ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, SUCH AS INDIGENT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, PROVIDED THAT THE CLASS IS NOT SO SMALL THAT ITS RELIEF IS NOT OF BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY. THE IRS CONCLUDED THAT THE HOSPITAL WAS "PROMOTING THE HEALTH OF A CLASS OF PERSONS THAT IS BROAD ENOUGH TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY" BECAUSE ITS EMERGENCY ROOM WAS OPEN TO ALL AND IT PROVIDED CARE TO EVERYONE WHO COULD PAY, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH THIRD-PARTY REIMBURSEMENT. OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HOSPITAL THAT THE IRS HIGHLIGHTED INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING: ITS SURPLUS FUNDS WERE USED TO IMPROVE PATIENT CARE, EXPAND HOSPITAL FACILITIES, AND ADVANCE MEDICAL TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH; IT WAS CONTROLLED BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES THAT CONSISTED OF INDEPENDENT CIVIC LEADERS; AND HOSPITAL MEDICAL STAFF PRIVILEGES WERE AVAILABLE TO ALL QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS. MEDICARE UNDERPAYMENTS AND BAD DEBT ARE COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND ASSOCIATED COSTS ARE INCLUDABLE ON THE FORM 990, SCHEDULE H, PART I. THE AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION ("AHA") FEELS THAT MEDICARE UNDERPAYMENTS (SHORTFALL) AND BAD DEBT ARE COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND THUS INCLUDABLE ON THE FORM 990, SCHEDULE H, PART I. THIS ORGANIZATION AGREES WITH THE AHA POSITION. AS OUTLINED IN THE AHA LETTER TO THE IRS DATED AUGUST 21, 2007 WITH RESPECT TO THE FIRST PUBLISHED DRAFT OF THE NEW FORM 990 AND SCHEDULE H, THE AHA FELT THAT THE IRS SHOULD INCORPORATE THE FULL VALUE OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT THAT HOSPITALS PROVIDE BY COUNTING MEDICARE UNDERPAYMENTS (SHORTFALL) AS QUANTIFIABLE COMMUNITY BENEFIT FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: - PROVIDING CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND SERVING MEDICARE PATIENTS IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT STANDARD. - MEDICARE, LIKE MEDICAID, DOES NOT PAY THE FULL COST OF CARE. RECENTLY, MEDICARE REIMBURSES HOSPITALS ONLY 92 CENTS FOR EVERY DOLLAR THEY SPEND TO TAKE CARE OF MEDICARE PATIENTS. THE MEDICARE PAYMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION ("MEDPAC") IN ITS MARCH 2007 REPORT TO CONGRESS CAUTIONED THAT UNDERPAYMENT WILL GET EVEN WORSE, WITH MARGINS REACHING A 10-YEAR LOW AT NEGATIVE 5.4 PERCENT. - MANY MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES, LIKE THEIR MEDICAID COUNTERPARTS, ARE POOR. MORE THAN 46 PERCENT OF MEDICARE SPENDING IS FOR BENEFICIARIES WHOSE INCOME IS BELOW 200 PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL. MANY OF THOSE MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID -- SO CALLED ELIGIBLES." THERE IS EVERY COMPELLING PUBLIC POLICY REASON TO TREAT MEDICARE AND MEDICAID UNDERPAYMENTS SIMILARLY FOR PURPOSES OF A HOSPITAL'S COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND INCLUDE THESE COSTS ON FORM 990, SCHEDULE H, PART I. MEDICARE UNDERPAYMENT MUST BE SHOULDERED BY THE HOSPITAL IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TREATING THE COMMUNITY'S ELDERLY AND POOR. THESE UNDERPAYMENTS REPRESENT A REAL COST OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND SHOULD COUNT AS A QUANTIFIABLE COMMUNITY BENEFIT. BOTH THE AHA AND THIS ORGANIZATION ALSO FEEL THAT PATIENT BAD DEBT IS A COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND THUS INCLUDABLE ON THE FORM 990, SCHEDULE H, PART I. LIKE MEDICARE UNDERPAYMENT (SHORTFALLS), THERE ALSO ARE COMPELLING REASONS THAT PATIENT BAD DEBT SHOULD BE COUNTED AS QUANTIFIABLE COMMUNITY BENEFIT AS FOLLOWS: - A SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY OF BAD DEBT IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO LOW-INCOME PATIENTS, WHO, FOR MANY REASONS, DECLINE TO COMPLETE THE FORMS REQUIRED TO ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY FOR HOSPITALS' CHARITY CARE OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. A 2006 CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ("CBO") REPORT, NONPROFIT HOSPITALS AND THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS, CITED TWO STUDIES INDICATING THAT "THE GREAT MAJORITY OF BAD DEBT WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENTS WITH INCOMES BELOW 200% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LINE." - THE REPORT ALSO NOTED THAT A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF BAD DEBT IS PENDING CHARITY CARE. UNLIKE BAD DEBT IN OTHER INDUSTRIES, HOSPITAL BAD DEBT IS COMPLICATED BY THE FACT THAT HOSPITALS FOLLOW THEIR MISSION TO THE COMMUNITY AND TREAT EVERY PATIENT THAT COMES THROUGH THEIR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY. PATIENTS WHO HAVE OUTSTANDING BILLS ARE NOT TURNED AWAY, UNLIKE OTHER INDUSTRIES. BAD DEBT IS FURTHER COMPLICATED BY THE AUDITING INDUSTRY'S STANDARDS ON REPORTING CHARITY CARE. MANY PATIENTS CANNOT OR DO NOT PROVIDE THE NECESSARY, EXTENSIVE DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED TO BE DEEMED CHARITY CARE BY AUDITORS. AS A RESULT, ROUGHLY 40% OF BAD DEBT IS PENDING CHARITY CARE. - THE CBO CONCLUDED THAT ITS FINDINGS "SUPPORT THE VALIDITY OF T
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SCHEDULE H, PART III, SECTION B; QUESTION 9B
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ACCOUNTS CONSIDERED TO BE CHARITY CARE ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE, BUT RATHER, ACCOUNTED FOR AS AN ALLOWANCE. IT IS THE POLICY OF HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER, TO TREAT ALL PATIENTS EQUALLY REGARDLESS OF INSURANCE AND THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. FOR ACCOUNTS DETERMINED TO BE "SELF-PAYOR ACCOUNTS WITH BALANCE AFTER PRIMARY INSURANCE PAYMENTS, THE COLLECTION POLICY REQUIRES: SENDING THREE STATEMENTS, A MINIMUM OF ONE PRE-COLLECTION LETTER, TELEPHONE CONTACT FOR ANY ACCOUNT OVER $5,000.00 OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE AND/OR SUPERVISOR. THE FACILITY ALSO HAS A CHARITY CARE ACCESS POLICY TO ASSURE PATIENTS ARE PROVIDED WITH CHARITY CARE ASSISTANCE DETERMINED BY STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS. IT IS THE POLICY TO INFORM ALL PATIENTS DEEMED SELF-PAY OF THE APPROPRIATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE. PATIENTS APPLYING FOR CHARITY CARE ASSISTANCE WILL BE FINANCIALLY SCREENED BY A RESOURCE ADVISOR TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY ACCORDING TO STATE AND FEDERAL GUIDELINES AND WILL BE INFORMED OF DOCUMENTATION NEEDED TO COMPLETE A CHARITY CARE APPLICATION. PATIENTS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR CHARITY CARE WILL BE FINANCIALLY COUNSELED FOR ALL OTHER OPTIONS. QUALIFIED PATIENTS WILL BE REFERRED TO ALL APPROPRIATE AGENCIES OR PROGRAMS TO MEET OTHER FINANCIAL NEEDS. AT THE TIME OF THE PATIENT VISIT AND PART OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS AT THE FACILITY, THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO PATIENTS: - FINANCIAL COUNSELING FOR POSSIBLE ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE INCLUDING MEDICAID AND SSI; - FINANCIAL COUNSELING FOR POSSIBLE ELIGIBILITY FOR THE NEW JERSEY HOSPITAL CARE PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; - FINANCIAL COUNSELING FOR A HOSPITAL INITIATED DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR THOSE WITH NO INSURANCE OR WHO ARE UNDERINSURED AND DON'T MEET THE STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR FREE CARE. THE HOSPITAL-INITIATED DISCOUNT PROGRAM RATES ARE REFLECTIVE OF 200% OF MEDICAID; AND -FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDING: 1. CASH/CREDIT CARD (AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER, VISA, MASTERCARD), OR 2. FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS.
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SCHEDULE H, PART VI; QUESTION 2
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UNDER THE BYLAWS OF HMC, THE HOSPITAL HAS A NEEDS COMMITTEE WHICH ANALYZES THE HEALTHCARE SERVICES THAT ARE CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO MEET THE HEALTHCARE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION, PHYSICIANS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS. THIS COMMITTEE WORKS TOWARD ENSURING THERE IS AN APPROPRIATE SUPPLY OF PHYSICIANS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE POPULATION. HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER ALSO CONTINUES TO WORK WITH THE "PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTH", WHICH IS A GROUP OF OVER 70 ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COUNTY INCLUDING THE HUNTERDON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE UNITED WAY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS. THE EFFORTS OF THIS ORGANIZATION ARE TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE COMMUNITY AND FOCUS ON SUCH ISSUES AS CHRONIC DISEASE, MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE MISUSE, OBESITY AND LATINO HEALTH DISPARITIES. Data collection for the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment began in 2021 when quantitative and qualitative data was collected. Focus groups were created to identify community themes and strengths. The local public health system was assessed. A group of community stakeholders including schools, faith leaders, businesses, healthcare, social services, county employees, government, non-profit organizations, teens, senior citizens and both english and spanish speaking residents assessed the community's health and identified forces of change occurring in the county that was impacting the health of the community members. Finally statewide data sources were used as benchmarks to compare the results of Hunterdon County in particular. This data was reported in the 2022 CHNA and CHIP and is published on our hospital website. The 2022 CHNA identified five priority health needs to be addressed by Hunterdon Healthcare System in the 2023-2025 CHIP: healthy weight, substance misuse, mental health, age related issues and access to care/social determinants of health.
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SCHEDULE H, PART VI; QUESTION 3
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THE MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES FINANCIAL COUNSELING TO ALL PATIENTS REGARDLESS OF INSURANCE STATUS. THEY RECEIVE A WRITTEN NOTICE IN ENGLISH OR SPANISH FORMAT OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION OR DURING THE OUTPATIENT REGISTRATION PROCESS. FINANCIAL COUNSELING SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL PATIENTS THROUGH THE PATIENT ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT DURING OR AFTER THE PROVISION OF SERVICES. ALL PATIENTS DEEMED SELF-PAY ARE SCREENED FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY A RESOURCE ADVISOR ACCORDING TO THE FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES AND REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE AGENCIES OR PROGRAMS. VERBIAGE STATING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE IS INCLUDED ON EACH PATIENT'S BILLING STATEMENT. THE MESSAGE READS AS FOLLOWS: "IF YOU CANNOT PAY THIS BILL AND REQUIRE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR PATIENT ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT." CHARITY CARE SIGNS ARE ALSO POSTED THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, MAINLY IN PATIENT REGISTRATION AREAS. SIGNS ARE POSTED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH.
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SCHEDULE H, PART VI; QUESTION 4
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Hunterdon Medical Center's primary service area is Hunterdon County, New Jersey, but also serves part of Somerset, Warren and Mercer counties. The census for Hunterdon County as of 2010 was 128,349, however more recent estimates are 124,714 (2108 Census estimate). It is part of the NY metropolitan area and the county seat is Flemington. The racial make-up of the county is 85.1% White/non-Hispanic, 2.9% African American, 0.2% Native American, 4.2% Asian and 6.8% Hispanic/Latino, and .8% other. Hunterdon County has been ranked as having the 4th highest income per capita in the U.S.
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SCHEDULE H, PART VI; QUESTION 5
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HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER HAS FURTHERED ITS EXEMPT PURPOSE IN SUCH PROGRAMS AS 1) LATINO HEALTH INITIATIVE FOCUSED ON LOW-INCOME IMMIGRANTS HEALTH NEEDS, 2) CREATION OF A MEDICATION ACCESS PROGRAM IN COLLABORATION WITH THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY TO DISTRIBUTE FREE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS TO PATIENTS UNABLE TO PAY, AND 3) ANNUAL FREE HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAMS FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY FOR BREAST CANCER, PROSTATE CANCER, COLON CANCER, HEARING LOSS, ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, PRE-NATAL AND DIABETES CARE, AMONG OTHERS. The five priority health issues identified through the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment process have been addressed in 2023 through the 2025 CHIP adopted by the medical center board at its September 2022 meeting. The goals included: 1) focus on healthy weight among Hunterdon County residents through the increase of the number of adults participating in wellness and weight and diabetes management programs. 2) reduce the prevalence of substance abuse of Hunterdon County residents through the strengthening of existing programs, the enhancement of training among physicians to effectively identify the use of substances among the community's members, and with the increase in the number of completed inpatient addiction treatment consults. 3) increased the number of residents in our service area being assessed, and if necessary, treated for behavioral health treatment services. 4) reduce barriers and increase the number of senior (age 65+) residents in our service area receiving preventive care. 5) collect data to inform strategies to reduce barriers to care for residents in our service area.
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SCHEDULE H, PART VI; QUESTION 6
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THIS ORGANIZATION IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. ALL AFFILIATES ARE COMMITTED TO ENHANCING THE OVERALL HEALTH STATUS OF THE COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING THE HIGHEST QUALITY HEALTHCARE AND RELATED SERVICES. THE HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM STRIVES TO EXCEED THE PATIENTS' EXPECTATIONS EMPHASIZING COMMITMENT, COMPETENCE, COLLABORATION, COMMUNICATION, AND COMPASSION. OUTLINED BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF THE ENTITIES WHICH COMPRISE THE HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC. NOT FOR PROFIT HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM ENTITIES HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC. HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC. ("HHS") IS THE TAX-EXEMPT PARENT OF THE HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC. ("SYSTEM"). THIS INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEM CONSISTS OF A GROUP OF AFFILIATED HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS. THE SOLE MEMBER OR STOCKHOLDER OF EACH ENTITY IS EITHER HHS OR ANOTHER SYSTEM AFFILIATE CONTROLLED BY HHS. THE SYSTEM IS AN INTEGRATED NETWORK OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY. HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC. 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). HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC. STRIVES TO CONTINUALLY DEVELOP AND OPERATE A HEALTHCARE SYSTEM WHICH PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A COMPREHENSIVE SPECTRUM OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS OF NEW JERSEY AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC. ENSURES THAT HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ABILITY TO PAY. NO INDIVIDUALS ARE DENIED NECESSARY MEDICAL CARE, TREATMENT OR SERVICES. HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER OPERATES CONSISTENTLY WITH THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA OUTLINED IN IRS REVENUE RULING 69-545: 1. THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY, INCLUDING CHARITY CARE, SELF-PAY, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PATIENTS; 2. THE ORGANIZATION OPERATES AN ACTIVE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR ALL PERSONS; WHICH IS OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS PER YEAR; 3. THE ORGANIZATION MAINTAINS A CLOSED MEDICAL STAFF, WITH PRIVILEGES AVAILABLE TO ALL QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS; AND 4. CONTROL OF THE ORGANIZATION RESTS WITH ITS BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC. BOTH BOARDS ARE COMPRISED OF INDEPENDENT CIVIC LEADERS AND OTHER PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. 5. SURPLUS FUNDS ARE USED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF PATIENT CARE, EXPAND AND RENOVATE FACILITIES AND ADVANCE MEDICAL CARE; PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES. HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER ("HMC") IS A 178-BED LICENSED NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY HOSPITAL LOCATED IN FLEMINGTON, NEW JERSEY. HMC IS RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS AN INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION. PURSUANT TO ITS CHARITABLE PURPOSES, HMC PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ABILITY TO PAY. MOREOVER, HMC OPERATES CONSISTENTLY WITH THE CRITERIA OUTLINED IN IRS REVENUE RULING 69-545. BRITESIDE ADULT DAY CENTERS, INC. BRITESIDE ADULT DAY CENTERS, INC. IS AN ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS TAX-EXEMPT PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) AND AS A NON-PRIVATE FOUNDATION PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 509(A)(2). THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES ADULT DAY CARE SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS. HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION IS AN ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS TAX-EXEMPT PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) AND AS A NON-PRIVATE FOUNDATION PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 509(A)(1). THROUGH FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES THE ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS THE CHARITABLE PURPOSES, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OF HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER; A RELATED INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION, THAT PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ABILITY TO PAY. HUNTERDON REGIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH, INC. HUNTERDON REGIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH, INC. IS AN ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS TAX-EXEMPT PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) AND AS A NON-PRIVATE FOUNDATION PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 509(A)(3). THE ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS THE CHARITABLE PURPOSES, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OF HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER; A RELATED INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION, THAT PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ABILITY TO PAY. HUNTERDON HOSPICE HUNTERDON HOSPICE IS AN ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS TAX-EXEMPT PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) AND AS A NON-PRIVATE FOUNDATION PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 509(A)(1). THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES CARE AND SUPPORT FOR TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN A NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ABILITY TO PAY. HUNTERDON HOSPICE HAS PROVIDED EXCEPTIONAL PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT TO PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES DURING LIFE'S FINAL STAGES. WHETHER AT HOME, IN THE HOSPITAL, OR IN A LONG-TERM CARE OR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, THEIR DEDICATED, HIGHLY SKILLED TEAM STRIVES TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE WHILE PROVIDING COMFORT, PRESERVING DIGNITY, AND HONORING THE UNIQUE WISHES OF EACH PATIENT AND FAMILY. VISITING HEALTH & SUPPORTIVE SERVICES VISITING HEALTH & SUPPORTIVE SERVICES IS AN ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS TAX-EXEMPT PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) AND AS A NON-PRIVATE FOUNDATION PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 509(A)(1). THE ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS THE CHARITABLE PURPOSES, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OF HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER; A RELATED INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION, THAT PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ABILITY TO PAY. HUNTERDON PRIMARY CARE, P.C. HUNTERDON PRIMARY CARE, P.C. IS AN ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS TAX-EXEMPT PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) AND AS A NON-PRIVATE FOUNDATION PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 509(A)(3). THE ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER; A RELATED INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION WHICH PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATING MANNER REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ABILITY TO PAY. HUNTERDON SPECIALTY CARE, P.C. HUNTERDON SPECIALTY CARE, P.C. IS AN ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS TAX-EXEMPT PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) AND AS A NON-PRIVATE FOUNDATION PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 509(A)(3). THE ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER; A RELATED INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION WHICH PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATING MANNER REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ABILITY TO PAY. HUNTERDON URGENT CARE, P.C. HUNTERDON URGENT CARE, P.C. IS AN ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS TAX-EXEMPT PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) AND AS A NON-PRIVATE FOUNDATION PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 509(A)(3). THE ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS HUNTERDON MEDICAL CENTER; A RELATED INTERNAL REVENUE CODE 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION WHICH PROVIDES MEDICALLY NECESSARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATING MANNER REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ABILITY TO PAY. OTHER HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM ENTITIES HUNTERDON IMAGING ASSOCIATES, LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TREATED AS A PARTNERSHIP FOR TAX PURPOSES. THIS ORGANIZATION ENGAGES IN HEALTHCARE SERVICES WHICH ARE HIGH QUALITY AND COST EFFECTIVE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY AND IN SUPPORT OF THE CHARITABLE PURPOSES OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. HUNTERDON HEALTHCARE PARTNERS, LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TREATED AS A PARTNERSHIP FOR TAX PURPOSES. THIS ORGANIZATION ENGAGES IN HEALTHCARE SERVICES WHICH ARE HIGH QUALITY AND COST EFFECTIVE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY AND IN SUPPORT OF THE CHARITABLE PURPOSES OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. HUNTERDON CENTER FOR SURGERY LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TREATED AS A PARTNERSHIP FOR TAX PURPOSES. THIS ORGANIZATION ENGAGES IN HEALTHCARE SERVICES WHICH ARE HIGH QUALITY AND COST EFFECTIVE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY AND IN SUPPORT OF THE CHARITABLE PURPOSES OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. MIDJERSEY HEALTH ALLIANCE, LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TREATED AS A PARTNERSHIP
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SCHEDULE H, PART VI; QUESTION 7
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THE ENTITY AND RELATED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS ARE LOCATED IN NEW JERSEY. THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DOES NOT REQUIRE HOSPITALS TO ANNUALLY FILE A COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
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