Ascension has in recent years taken a number of steps to reduce the financial burden for low-income people when they access the healthcare system. Modern Healthcare editor Merrill Goozner recently asked Chief Executive Officer Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE, about some of those moves and other major issues affecting Ascension.
Tony addressed price transparency, the future of the Affordable Care Act, drug prices and more, in the wide-ranging interview. A transcript is available here, and a video here.
Asked about how Ascension is helping those facing financial hardships, Tony said the System's experience with the Affordable Care Act is that those who previously were uninsured now have insurance with high deductibles and copays. "We saw patients presenting themselves who had significant deductibles that we knew they could never pay," Tony said. "So we had to make a decision as an organization. We decided that we needed to figure out a way to lessen the burden on those, especially the very poor, that we are caring for. So our financial officers got together and we actually refined the policy that we had from years ago."
Ascension was a supporter and continues to be a supporter of the Affordable Care Act, Tony said. "Having said that, we know the ACA is not perfect. We know that from experience," he said. "Medicare in 1965 wasn't perfect. Eleven pieces of legislation later you've got over 80 percent approval ratings by the beneficiaries. We believe that's what is going to be necessary for the Affordable Care Act. We believe that whoever becomes the new president is going to want to revise aspects of it. Our hope is that we continue to fight for 100 percent access, 100 percent coverage for every man, woman and child in this country."
Tony said Ascension is hopeful that the new president supports pilot projects that will support health systems like Ascension as they seek to improve the lives of people before they need acute or chronic care for conditions that can be traced to poor housing, poor food choices, lack of employment and similar social determinants of health.
Click here to read an edited transcript of the interview, or click here to watch a video of the complete interview.
