RWJBarnabas Health is waiving copays, deductibles and other balances for furloughed federal employees and their dependents, the system announced Monday.
RWJBarnabas, based in West Orange, said the action is effective immediately at all of its hospitals, ambulatory facilities and owned physician practices.
Jack Morris, the board chairman, and Barry Ostrowsky, CEO and president, made the announcement.
“We recognize the financial hardship being experienced by these families, because they are our neighbors and friends — they live in the communities we serve each day,” Morris said in a prepared statement.
The health system added that payments owed for past visits will be deferred until reinstatement of back wages. Proof of federal employment is required, the system noted.
“We are an organization that is committed to not just delivering health care, but improving the health of those we serve,” Ostrowsky said in a statement. “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.”
