Here is a thought... maybe The S.C. State Office of Victim Assistance should speed up their process, DUH !!!
COLUMBIA -- Victims of violent crime are being "re-victimized," according to advocates of a bill, which would prohibit health care providers from harassing victims for payment, if their injury claims are still under review by The S.C. State Office of Victim Assistance.
Today a Senate subcommittee approved the legislation, S. 1120, cosponsored by Sen. Clementa Pinckney, D-Ridgeland, and a handful of others. The bill does not bar hospitals and health care providers to sending bills and inquiring into the status of claims.
Sen. Michael Rose, R-Summerville, questioned whether some people might use the new law to evade paying their bills.
It's a fear some providers have raised, acknowledged SOVA director, Larry Barker.
"My response to them often is, 'Listen, we're the payor of last resort, which means you ain't going to get any more anyway," he said. "'It's good PR. Why don't you just go ahead and do away with remaining balance.' ... Surprisingly, we've had great cooperation with that."
Laura Hudson, executive director of the S.C. Crime Victims' Council, said the state's Office of Victim Assistance is one of the "best kept secrets of the state." She said most people are unaware of the benefits that are available to those who qualify, which include 20 psychological appointments, help paying medical bills and $4,000 to assist with burials if someone has been killed.
"It's a wonderful gift from the state," said Hudson, noting that even adults who need therapy after witnessing violence when they were children may be deemed eligible for help from SOVA.
Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Organgeburg, sympathized with victims.
"Not that anybody asks to be hospitalized, but they got sent there not of any of their own doing at all," he said. "They were the victim. ... And they may or may not have insurance."
A person's eligibility is determined by criteria tied to the state Compensation Fund. The crime must have happened in South Carolina, caused physical injury or emotional trauma and the victim cannot have been doing something illegal during the incident.
Reach Sarita Chourey at sarita.chourey@morris.com or (803) 727-4257
Comments
Here is a thought... maybe The S.C. State Office of Victim Assistance should speed up their process, DUH !!!
Soon, sales on credit will be handled by banks only. No cash no carry will be the best for everyone.
"The crime must have happened in South Carolina, caused physical injury or emotional trauma and the victim cannot have been doing something illegal during the incident." - So you were robbing the store when another thief came in and shot you? Next.
Or something like this.: I was just trying to buy some marijuana, and all of a sudden, these other thugs came up and a big fight started, shots started ringing out, I was trying to mind my own business, but I got shot. What do you mean I don't qualify?
"My response to them often is, 'Listen, we're the payor of last resort, which means you ain't going to get any more anyway," he said. "'It's good PR. Why don't you just go ahead and do away with remaining balance.' ... Surprisingly, we've had great cooperation with that." -I am going to try that line with the next bill collector that calls me.
Don't you just love the bleeding hearts. Most hospitals will work out a very liberal payment plan with you. This bill is not needed.
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