Monday, February 4, 2008, 23:45 PST

 Scripps Agrees To Landmark Settlement

 /Settlement Lowers Costs For Uninsured/

SAN DIEGO -- *All six Scripps hospitals and clinics agreed Friday to a
landmark $73 million settlement that would lower costs for the uninsured.

The settlement was the result of a class action lawsuit and will impact
more than 60,000 Scripps patients and many more uninsured at their
hospitals and clinics.

Phillip Franklin worked part-time and couldn't afford a $500 monthly
insurance payment when he was hospitalized for a kidney stone in 2004.

Franklin realized uninsured patients were being charged at a
substantially higher rate for the exact same services than those who are
insured.

Scripps settled with Franklin on behalf of all uninsured patients and
agreed to lower its prices by 35 percent. The hospital also will offer a
partial refund for hospital bills to lower-income or uninsured patients
dating back to 2002. Those eligible to receive a reimbursement claim by
the ruling will receive notification via mail.

... How do I spell "relief"?  E-X-L-A-X.
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