http://www.news14charlotte.com/content/ ... 05&SecID=2

3/2/2006 3:27 PM
By: Lisa Reyes, News 14 Carolina

Uninsured North Carolinians racked up more than $1 billion in medical bills last year.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A recent study by the North Carolina Hospital Association revealed the growing number of uninsured patients is eating into the pockets of hospitals and patients with insurance.

"We're here to provide care regardless of the ability to pay," said Chris Williams, director of patient accounts for the South Piedmont branch of the Presbyterian Healthcare System. "At some point in time, it will filter to the payers who have the ability to pay."

Williams deals with insurance companies on a daily basis and says he goes through at least 500 claims a month from uninsured patients.

"We are large and we are able to take on more of those cases than maybe a smaller 50-bed facility," he said.

At Presbyterian, patients are given uncompensated health care based on income. Based upon their answers on a questionnaire, patients will be placed in a specific compensation category – uninsured, catastrophic or payment plan.

According to the study, about a third of the 1 million North Carolinians who have no health insurance are illegal immigrants. Williams says although the immigrant population is growing in North Carolina, it is certainly not the sole cause of the problem.

"To actually target one specific population or to say they are the reason why that our uncompensated care is increasing, I don't think that's appropriate," he said.

Williams says part of the problem is many employers do not offer a competitive benefits package or salary and workers cannot afford to pay for insurance.

According to the North Carolina Hospital Association, uninsured North Carolinians racked up more than $1 billion in medical bills last year.