Hospitals Treating More Children On Medicaid or Uninsured, How You Can Find Help

Upstate hospitals are seeing more uninsured children and those on Medicaid needing treatment. A hospital spokesperson says The Center for Pediatric Medicine at Greenvillle Hospital System has seen 1,000 more patients in the last year. 

The clinic says about 90 percent of its patients are on Medicaid. Parent Bobby Ellis tells 7 On Your Side the clinic helped his family when they had no other options. Ellis says, “It was kind of scary knowing he (his son, Nehemiah) was sick. And knowing we didn't have insurance, not knowing...was he going to get the best care?” 

Ellis had lost his job and was dealing with his own health problems. Nehemiah's mother, Janet, could not afford to carry everyone on her insurance. She explains, “It was over half my check, so I couldn't do that."

Some friends told the Ellis family found about the Center for Pediatric Medicine at Greenville Hospital System's Children's Hospital. Administrator Tom Moran says, “We don't turn anyone away. We'll work with them and make sure the child gets what they need.” 

The clinic gets government funding. They treat patients who are uninsured, underinsured or on Medicaid. Moran says, “I think there are more kids out there eligible for Medicaid with the economy the way it is.” 

Moran says in order to qualify for Medicaid, a family of four cannot make more than $44,700 a year. Hospitals take on charity cases, refer children to other medical clinics, and at Greenville Hospital Systems, parents can get a medical charge card that allows them to make payments when they can afford them. 

Janet says, “I  think when two people are working you don't think you'll ever qualify for Medicaid.” 

She says finding the clinic may have saved her son's life. Janet says, “I don't think Nehemiah would be alive.” She's hoping other parents will follow doctor's orders to find health care for their kids when they can't afford it. 

The center for Pediatric Medicine says you can find more information about how to pay for your child's health care by calling your local hospital or health department. 

AnMed Health in Anderson offers medical care to Medicaid and uninsured patients at the Children’s Health Center. A hospital spokesperson says more than 90 of the patients are on Medicaid. For more information, click here. 

Spartanburg Regional Hospital tells 7 On Your Side its uninsured population automatically gets 35% off charges for services and an additional 15% if the balance is paid in full within 30 days.

All hospitals say they will not turn people away, and they will work with parents on payment options for their child’s healthcare.