Health systems begin offering waivers for care to furloughed federal workers

A month into the longest government shutdown in history, RWJBarnabas Health announced it will waive co-pays, deductibles and additional eligible patient care balances for care provided to furloughed federal employees and their dependents during the government shutdown. Effective immediately, the offer applies to all inpatient, outpatient, emergency and ambulatory-based care provided by RWJBarnabas Health facilities including its hospitals, ambulatory facilities and owned physician practices. The health system said it will also defer any payments those workers are obligated to make to the health system until their wages are reinstated. "Affordability is a key factor in whether families can access care, and we believe that our action today can help alleviate some of the pressures these furloughed federal workers are currently facing," said Barry Ostrowsky, president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, in statement.