Trending
ELKINS -- Davis Medical Center will be receiving a significant contribution from a former surgeon.
Hugh Hitchcock, DMC board of directors member, said during a board meeting Thursday that the foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Noronha Benevolent Care Fund.
Dr. Joseph Noronha, longtime surgeon and well-known member of the community, pledged a total lifetime gift of $500,000 and another $500,000 from his estate, ultimately providing a total of $1 million in benevolent funds, Hitchcock said.
Vance Jackson, Davis Health System president and CEO, noted Thursday that Dr. Noronha has been "very generous" to the foundation.
Davis Health System Foundation Director Mike Bell said, "He made the initial gift toward his intention out of passion for helping folks who either don't have insurance or, as in today's environment, people who may have some insurance but an extremely high co-pay, deductible or out-of-pocket limit, so medical expenses can present a real financial burden."
"The first $300,000 contributed will provide financial assistance to cover the cost of surgical procedures and/or related expenses for patients treated in the facilities affiliated with the health system," Hitchcock said.
He added assistance is available to the uninsured or those who have commercial or government benefits which may have high deductibles.
"As we develop our (Providing Affordable Care for Everyone) program for options and opportunities to help patients with their medical expenses, this is going to be a huge part of that capability," Jackson said. "We are extremely grateful to Dr. Noronha for that gift."
The goal of the PACE program, which was recently introduced at DHS, is to assist patients by providing cost estimates, payment plans, financial counseling and patient loan/financing plans. To be most helpful to patients, PACE can assist individuals who do not have insurance, help individuals understand their insurance if they are insured, help people to understand their out-of-pocket expenses, design payment options to best fit their needs and even apply for low cost or free medical services.