Private hospitals' response to the growing number of uninsured patients: Aggressive strategies for acquiring public benefits

The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast the implementation of medical eligibility programs across differing private hospitals within Los Angeles County. These programs are developed by hospitals to assist uninsured patients in acquiring public medical benefits.; A purposive sample of 67 acute care, private hospitals was selected from within Los Angeles County. A survey of hospital admission supervisors was conducted utilizing an instrument developed by the researcher. Statistics and reports were also received from DPSS and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development as background information.; The response rate to the survey was 64% (n = 43). This study found that 66.7% (n = 42) of the hospitals surveyed had implemented formal medical eligibility programs. Results describe specific features of these programs. Continued research is recommended to further examine hospital medical eligibility programs. Implications for social work practice are discussed.