Minnesota authorities are investigating Allina Health over reports that the nonprofit provider refused to treat some patients who owed medical debts, state Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) announced Friday.
The New York Times reported in June that Minneapolis-based Allina Health denied non-urgent treatments to patients with unpaid bills from previous care. Following publication of that article, the health system said it paused the policy in question. But Ellison, who has focused on medical billing, has launched a probe, he said in a news release.
"With recent reports in the media and from consumers that problems continue, we’re taking several steps to renew our focus on this longstanding concern,” he said. A spokesperson declined to provide additional details.
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“I continue to be concerned about reports of Allina denying needed non-emergency medical care solely on the basis of medical debt,” Ellison said. “Denying patients needed care on the basis of medical debt harms every Minnesotan, whether or not they are Allina patients. My office has heard from a good number of Allina patients who have shared their own upsetting stories of being denied care for this reason.”
Investigators are collecting accounts from Minnesota patients via the attorney general's website, and Ellison has scheduled public meetings on the issue over the coming weeks.
Allina Health continues to work with Minnesota authorities about its compliance with state billing and debt collection rules and offers “comprehensive support for patients with financial needs,” the company said in a statement.
Minnesota is among several states ramping up oversight of healthcare debt collection policies, charity care programs and billing practices. Oregon, for example, enacted a law last month that requires hospitals to screen patients and make appropriate financial adjustments prior to billing them. A similar Minnesota law takes effect Nov. 1.
