Pulse nightclub survivors won't have to pay for their medical care
Survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando are receiving some much deserved love from the hospitals that cared for them.
On Wednesday, two Orlando hospitals that treated victims of the deadliest shooting in recent American history announced that those who received medical care as a result of the massacre would not be billed.
The shooting, which occurred on June 12, left 49 people killed and 53 wounded by gunman Omar Mateen, who was shot and killed by police.
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Orlando Health President and CEO David Strong explained to the Orlando Sentinel: "The Pulse shooting was a horrendous tragedy for the victims, their families and our entire community. During this very trying time, many organizations, individuals and charities have reached out to Orlando Health to show their support. This is simply our way of paying that kindness forward."
"We hope this gesture can add to the heart and goodwill that defines Orlando."
Though the healthcare network said that current healthcare costs of all Orlando shooting-related patients "could exceed $5 million," Orlando Regional Medical Center-- who treated 44 patients who sustained injuries during the massacre at the popular LGBT club -- and Florida Hospital -- who treated 12 survivors of the attack -- will not be charging their patients.
Orlando Health said that instead, it is exploring various other options to aid the victims in their medical costs. Patients' insurance plans will foot some of the bill and other options including "state and federal funds ... victim funds like the One Orlando fund, disability insurance, Florida’s crime victim compensation program, funding sources established for individual victims, means-tested programs like Medicaid, as well as charity care provided by Orlando Health."
In a statement, Florida Hospital’s CEO, Daryl Tol shared how incredible it is to see the community join together in the face of a tragedy. "We hope this gesture can add to the heart and goodwill that defines Orlando," he said.
Orlando Sentinel reported that 34-year-old Mario Lopez, an uninsured survivor of the Pulse shooting who was treated for several injuries, is extremely relieved by this news. "I was so worried because I can't afford any of that," he said in regards to his potential $20,000 bill.
Topics LGBTQ Social Good
Nicole is a Senior Editor at Mashable. She primarily covers entertainment and digital culture trends, and in her free time she can be found watching TV, sending voice notes, or going viral on Twitter for admiring knitwear. You can follow her on Twitter @nicolemichele5.
