Louisiana Plans To Make Sure Rape Victims Don’t Get Medical Bills

This week, Governor Bobby Jindal's administration is expected to introduce a new plan that will end billing victims of rape in Louisiana.

In Louisiana, state and federal guidelines require that medical procedures like forensic exams, are free for victims of rape. Despite those regulations, many rape victims in Louisiana have to pay huge medical bills but to inconsistencies in different parishes and hospitals.

Because of that, Governor Jindal has spoken to state policy makers, hospital authorities, health officials and rape victim advocates to come up with a plan that victims of rape will not be burdened with ridiculous medical bills. The details of this new plan are expected to be announced later this week.

Shannon Bates, Jindal’s deputy communications director said in statement:

Sexual assault is a terrible crime that causes tremendous pain and suffering for victims. We want to stand with these victims and make sure we have a solution to help them get the medical care they need.

According to a report by The Times-Picayune, Louisiana rape victims have received bills exceeding $2,000. The Times-Picayune also interviewed a rape victim that had outrageous medical bills. From NOLA.com:

The cost of some of the medical services she received totaled nearly $2,000, it said. Insurance would pay $1,400. She would owe the remaining $600 -- for her share of the cost of two HIV drugs and two other medications designed to stave off side-effects of those drugs.

She folded the papers, stuffed them in her purse and tried to calm down. A few days later, another bill would arrive, showing an additional $1,700 in charges for her care, including an $860 fee for her visit to the emergency room.

"You never really think, 'Is rape covered by insurance?'" the New Orleans woman said.