INDIANAPOLIS -- Not all nonprofit hospitals in Indianapolis appear to be complying with a law requiring them to post information about financial assistance for patients in need.

A survey by the Hospital Accountability Project found that half of all hospital patients in Marion County had no idea financial assistance was available, 6News' Kara Kenney reported.

"What they're telling us is they left the hospital with no idea that they might qualify for programs with their medical debt," said spokeswoman Julia Vaughn, who noted that people with incomes of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for help.

The law requires nonprofit hospitals to post notices in waiting areas, the business office and in other appropriate areas, such as the cashier area, informing people that financial assistance is available.

According to the Marion County Assessor's Office, local nonprofit hospital networks including Clarian Health, Community Health Network, St. Francis and St. Vincent get more than $27 million a year in tax breaks.

"This is money not going into the tax base in our community. Therefore, the federal and state government has said, as a charitable organization, you are required to give back free or reduced cost care," Vaughn said.

At Clarian's Methodist Hospital, 6News saw signs with information about financial assistance clearly posted at the cashier, including phone numbers to call.

At Community Hospital North, 6News didn't find any signs in the lobby, but saw half a dozen in the registration area.

At St. Francis Hospital, 6News found signs in the lobby and at the cashier including the text, "We will work with you to provide the payment option that best fits your particular needs."

But at St. Vincent Hospital, 6News could not find any notification in the admitting area or near the cashier.

Spokesman Johnny Smith said the hospital includes detailed financial information with its bills.

"They're not looking for signs, they're looking for attention for care, and that's our first priority," he said. "We comply (with the law) and there is education around the hospital. There may need to be more, and we will review that."

The Hospital Accountability Project suggests hospitals consider a large, simple sign that reads, "If you can't pay your bill, financial help is available," with a number to call.

"People need to know these programs are available. Medical debt is a huge problem in Marion County. It's the leading cause of personal bankruptcy," Vaughn said. "We've got a huge problem and we feel it's not being addressed because hospitals aren't doing a good job of informing people these programs might be available."

The organization is also pushing hospitals to post the information on their websites, which officials with St. Vincent and Community Health Network told Kenney they would review.

The Indiana Department of Health said that "state licensing surveys conducted by state surveyors survey for compliance with these type of requirements, although it would not be included on every survey."

Officials said they will review if it needs to be done every time.

The Hospital Accountability Project is also pushing for regular audits and has asked for a meeting with all of the hospital CEOs to discuss the report.

More Information:

Report On Medical Debt In Indianapolis

Hospital Exemption Analysis

Clarian Health Statement

Community Health Network Statement

St. Francis Statement