MORGANTOWN — An increasing number of individuals are paying out of pocket for clinical services provided by the Monongalia County Health Department.
And the fees for those individuals are going up.
During the most recent regular meeting of the Monongalia County Board of Health, the body approved fee increases for private pay patients on nearly 140 services ranging from reproductive health to physician exams, vaccines, immunizations and lab services.
Monongalia County Health Department Clinical Services Program Manager Jennifer Goldcamp explained the increases were requested to help offset inflation and an overall increase in costs. She also noted some of the fees haven’t been adjusted since before she joined MCHD in 2014.
Asked how the new rates compare to the overall health care market in Monongalia County, she replied, “They are getting the rock bottom prices.”
“We’re not trying to gouge even insurance companies, but we wanted to make sure our administration fees reflect the caliber of our medical staff and the service that our patients receive, but at the same time make that affordable for everybody,” Goldcamp said.
Whether it’s due to a lack of insurance or high-deductible plans that customers don’t want to use, Goldcamp said a steadily growing number of people are coming in and paying out of pocket.
“Definitely, when it comes to children and the children don’t have insurance, we really press and encourage people to apply for Medicaid and apply for CHIP,” she explained. “With the exception of undocumented children, which we see a lot of — we see a lot — there’s really no reason why a parent shouldn’t be able to get affordable health insurance for their child. It’s very important.”
It was also pointed out that the health department isn’t looking to turn people away for lack of money or insurance.
“We will work with any family because that is in the best interest of our community,” Goldcamp said.
A full list of the services included as well as their current and new fees for private pay customers is posted at the Monongalia County Courthouse (243 High St., Morgantown). MCHD will accept written public comment at 453 Van Voorhis Road, Morgantown, WV 26505 until June 24.
The current and proposed fee schedule is not available online.
