Uninsured Patients Are Eligible for Services at Metropolitan;
NJ Uncompensated Program Support is Available

Hudson County has the highest percentage of uninsured individuals in the State of New Jersey! An estimated 19% of residents have no health insurance coverage, compared to 12.3 percent statewide.

As Metropolitan Family Health Network assumes the role of the newest primary health care center in Hudson County, patients with no health care insurance are concerned that they will not be able to receive services here. The truth is that they are eligible for care here, and that through programs like the New Jersey Uncompensated Care Program, the costs of primary health care will be covered for eligible individuals and families. In addition, we will help determine the eligibility of patients for Medicaid, Medicare and other publicly funded programs.

Federal and New Jersey State regulations say that all patients who seek care at a Federally Qualified Health Center like Metropolitan Family Health Network, must provide information about their income and dependents to determine if they are eligible for coverage under available public programs. Uninsured patients who are not eligible for any public program coverage are required to pay fees on a “sliding fee scale.” The sliding fee scale is based upon a person’s income and on the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which
are published each year. Without the collection of fees, Federally Qualified Health Centers will be in violation of their agreements with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

Every patient at Metropolitan Family Health Network, Inc. must go through the process of “registering” for services just as they would in a private doctor’s office, hospital or other medical center. Federal requirements state that we must obtain certain information for every patient or our funding will be in jeopardy, so please bring in:

• ID/Proof of residence: A government-issued photo ID (i.e., valid driver’s license), social security card or birth certificate and a recent telephone, electric or gas bill.
• Proof of income: A copy of last year’s income tax return, a current paycheck, unemployment or pension check stub, child support
  payment documentation or foster care allotment.
• Proof of dependents: a copy of last year’s tax return or birth certificates

We want our community to be the healthiest in New Jersey and will do all we can to help everyone get the coverage they need!