Media
- February 13, 2008
Rape victims must pay their hospital bills
When someone goes to the hospital after being raped, doctors use a rape kit to test for evidence. Who would have thought those same rape victims would later receive a bill in the mail for that test?
The News & Observer’s Mandy Locke highlighted this burden today in a well-researched article that left me sad and angry at the system:
The vast majority of the 3,000 or so emergency room patients examined for sexual assaults each year shoulder some of the cost of a rape kit test, according to state records and victim advocates. For some, it’s as little as a $50 insurance co-payment. For those without insurance, it’s hundreds of dollars left when a state program designed to help reaches its limit.
The average hospital bill for a rape kit is $1,600, according to the article. Could you imagine how haunting it would be to receive a bill for those services when you’re trying to put such a horrible violation behind you?
I noticed the N&O posted a follow-up article on its Web site this afternoon saying state leaders are looking for ways to cover the costs not covered by insurance and other reimbursements. It appears that declaration is a direct result of Locke’s article.
It’s important to note that in some cases, Locke reported, hospitals will forgive the balance of the bill for rape victims. But what if a rape victim doesn’t realize this and shells out a few hundred bucks of their hard earned money just to put the past behind them? Or worse, what if a rape victim can’t afford to pay and the bill lingers on their credit report? I’m so glad Locke brought this to light and I hope state lawmakers make good on their word to find money in the state budget to make sure this no longer occurs.
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7 Responses to “Rape victims must pay their hospital bills”
Infuriating! Unforgiveable! Ridiculous! Anyone who shrugs it off ought to read The Vagina Monologues and get a clue. How is such an injustice allowed to go on? Someone… though I don’t know whom exactly… ought to be ashamed. Endlessly ashamed until action is taken.
By Ashley Sue on Feb 14, 2008
It certainly seems cruel. However, how would it be paid for otherwise?
Someone has to pay for the kit. Where should the funds come from? Police and law enforcement makes the most sense; that’s why we pay taxes.
I don’t see that a hospital should bear the cost, either.
By DANA on Feb 14, 2008
Not surprising considering our health system is in the toilet. We are a pretty uncaring country. It’s shameful.
By Brandy on Feb 14, 2008
However, how would it be paid for otherwise?
Use your imagination.
One week of funding the Iraq War would pay for a couple of years worth of these, at least.
By barry on Feb 15, 2008
Agreed, someone has to pay, but that’s what taxes are for. Certainly the Legislature can find the extra dollars to set aside for this.
By Ginny on Feb 15, 2008
Hi,
I was raped four years ago. I went to the hospital. The stupid doctor didn’t do the paper work for the rape. So i was responsible for every thing. Over $3000.00, I fought and fought for my rights. I was told they were all paid for. Well four years later (present) i check my credit report and $400 is is still on there and on my report. I never received a bill or a call, nothing. I have tried to get the crime victims center to pay for it, like they were suppose to four years ago. They tell me that its been to long and i have to pay for it. Now i have four years of interest added on to it. I’m not paying it i shouldn’t have to. So if you read this and know anyone that can help PLEASE write back. Thanks!!!
By Leslie on Nov 26, 2008