If you owe money to the Community Health Center of Branch County and you have the ability to pay, it’s time to get caught up on your bills or you could experience a very aggressive collector knocking on your door until you’ve met your obligations.
The hospital board of trustees last night heard once again about CHC’s six million dollars of bad debt from 2009 on top of the 5-million dollars in 2008 and this year so far shows no improvement in the situations.
Health Center Board Chairman Jack Shaw said the hospital cannot any longer substantiate not taking all actions necessary to address the debt. Shaw said the Health Center has been more than fair and more than patient. However, he said it has come time to take action.
He also wanted to get the word that the hospital knows well the difference between charity care and Bad debt. Charity care is for people who do not have the ability to pay and meet certain strict criteria. Bad debt is just like bad debt is anywhere. If you don’t pay your bills, generally speaking, somebody will make it unpleasant for you somewhere along the line until your obligations are met.
