I received a letter from Carilion, dated Tuesday, April 14, 2009, stating that my Financial Needs Assessment Questionnaire had been approved for a charity discount.  The letter states:

"Your approval may cover charges incurred thirty (30) days prior and ninety (90) days after the date of this notice.  After this time period has lapsed, you will need to submit another Financial Needs Assessment Questionnaire to cover any future charges . . . "

I had an outpatient procedure performed at Roanoke Memorial Hospital Friday, July 10, 2009.  I presented the letter at registration.

I received a bill for the procedure Wednesday, July 15, 2009.  I called Carilion to say I had been approved for charity care.  I was stunned when the woman said my authorization had expired since it took effect in March.  I read the above statement to the woman; she insisted that I must submit another Financial Needs Assessment Questionnaire.  The woman also stated that my application would be denied since I rent, rather than own, my home.

I have been unemployed for 15 months and cannot afford to pay for the July 10th procedure.  I thought Carilion's new charity care policies were designed to prevent situations like this.

Any assistance or suggestions as to how best to proceed are appreciated.