Many people in Centre County are upset with Geisinger after the healthcare system started charging extra fees at some of its local clinics. These are called “facility fees,” and they are being added on top of the regular charges for medical visits.
Patients say they were not told about these new charges in advance, and now they are receiving higher bills than expected.
One patient, Linda Lingenfelter, said she was shocked when she got a $50 facility fee on her bill after a regular check-up. She said no one at the clinic had told her about the extra fee. She only found out after getting the bill in the mail.
Geisinger has confirmed that they are charging these facility fees at a few Centre County clinics, such as the one in Philipsburg.
According to the company, the fee helps cover the cost of running the medical facility, including things like building maintenance and equipment. They also said this fee is common in many healthcare systems across the country.
However, patients and local leaders are saying the way these fees were added is not fair. Many people feel blindsided. They say it’s hard enough to afford medical care, and surprise fees just make it worse. Some people are now thinking of switching doctors because they can’t afford the extra charges.
Even local officials are starting to pay attention. The issue has come up in county meetings, and residents are asking for better transparency. They want Geisinger to clearly explain these charges before appointments are made, not after.
Geisinger says they are trying to update their communication and let patients know in advance. But for many Centre County families, the damage is already done. They say trust has been broken, and they’re not sure if they can rely on Geisinger the same way as before.
As healthcare costs keep rising, unexpected charges like these are creating real problems for people. Many just want clear, honest information so they can plan and take care of their health without financial surprises.