Stop! Cleveland Clinic Demand for Copays, ahead of other Alternatives

To: Cleveland Clinic Leadership, Healthcare Policymakers, and Community Stakeholders:

We, the undersigned, demand that Cleveland Clinic immediately reverse its newly announced copayment policy requiring patients to pay upfront for non-emergency services. This policy, slated to take effect on June 1, has been implemented with only 18 days’ notice—far short of the 30-day period typically mandated to allow patients time to secure alternative care providers. This abrupt change puts countless patients, especially those with chronic conditions or limited financial resources, at risk.

This policy is not only procedurally flawed but also fundamentally discriminatory. By exempting only patients with Medicaid, traditional Medicare, emergency visits, and other narrowly defined circumstances, the policy unjustly penalizes individuals needing preventative care or facing chronic health issues.  These words underscore a crucial truth: equitable healthcare must address all medical needs regardless of the level of necessary treatment necessary—not just a select few.

We demand:

Immediate Termination of Copay Implementation Policy and Offer the Proposed Solutions: Stop enforcing the new copayment policy and return to traditional, fair collection practices that provide patients with sufficient warning and options. Instead: 1) expand HCAP eligibility to include copay assistance, 2) offer and expand payment plans for patients that need healthcare financial assistance, 3) adhere to health insurance contractual agreements for patients who have Health Savings and/or Flexible Savings Accounts as these plans allow for post treatment reimbursement, 4) expand clinical and other outpatient scheduling options by allowing for later appointment times include more availability for weekend appointment scheduling, 5) create a speed to care, multi-disciplinary specialty clinic to maximize reimbursement, time management, and overall cost effectiveness, 6) eliminate healthcare practices that demonstrate any form(s) of discrimination, 6) adhere to medical and ethical standards of local, state, and federal laws for healthcare access for all, 7) including, all other practices and principles of an organization formed and operating under the umbrella of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Equitable Payment Practices: Develop and implement payment methods that do not discriminate against lower-income patients or those with chronic conditions, ensuring that all patients receive the attention and care they deserve.

Clear Communication: Honor patients’ rights by offering clear, timely notifications regarding any future changes to healthcare billing procedures, allowing ample time for adjustments and alternative arrangements.
This petition is a stand for fairness and equitable access to healthcare.

Every signature sends a powerful message to Cleveland Clinic: the health and dignity of patients must come first. We urge Cleveland Clinic to listen, recalibrate its policies, and work with community leaders and healthcare experts to create systems that reflect the true needs of our communities.

Let’s demand more than cost-cutting policies—we demand a system that cares for all its patients.

 
By signing and sharing this petition, you join a movement dedicated to justice, transparency, and the unwavering belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Sign now and help us shape a healthier, more equitable future for everyone.

According to recent legal analyses and reports, the insufficient notice provided by Cleveland Clinic and the discriminatory nature of this policy change have raised serious legal and ethical concerns. A Temporary Injunction (not a lawsuit) has been filed against the Cleveland Clinic as a way to Stay the implementation of the new copay collection policy slated to go into effect, June 1, 2025.

"We are not against copays, but we are against neglecting patient's rights."