CLEVELAND, Ohio — MetroHealth has implemented a new financial assistance policy that eliminates 100% free charity care for some uninsured and underinsured Cuyahoga County residents as the health system grapples with ballooning costs.

The recently announced policy change comes as MetroHealth’s charity care expenses have doubled since 2022, now amounting to more than $1 million daily.

“These changes ensure that charity care is preserved for those with no other options, while encouraging those eligible for coverage to take advantage of it,” MetroHealth said.

Under the revised policy, now called the Healthcare Access and Assistance Plan, patients receive higher discounts on medical bills if they seek counseling from MetroHealth’s financial counselors.

Patients paying out of pocket will aut

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