LACROSSE, Wis.— The Gundersen Health System sidestepped the demands of protesters about its new garnishment practices for unpaid medical bills. In a statement, the 7,600-employee healthcare provider said the whole industry is caught up in rising cost that have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. “More work needs to be done locally and across our industry to reduce the cost of healthcare,” the statement said, but didn’t address specifics about changes in Gundersen collection practices. Gundersen noted that patients are offered interest-free payment plans and that discounts for those who are uninsured.
Earlier: Gundersen faulted for garnishments