The Orlando hospitals that treated dozens of people injured in the Pulse nightclub massacre are not billing survivors for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Orlando regional medical center, which treated most of the survivors of the 12 June attack, announced on Wednesday that it would seek payment from other resources such as insurance plans and a victims’ fund established by city officials.
“The pulse shooting was a horrendous tragedy for the victims, their families and our entire community,” said David Strong, the president and CEO of Orlando Health, the group which owns ORMC. “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.”
Nine of the patients who were taken to ORMC from the Pulse nightclub died shortly after arriving at the hospital. Orlando Health said their families will also not be charged medical costs. One victim remains hospitalized there.
The medical group said medical bills will be sent to health insurance companies for patients who had coverage, but costs that aren’t covered will be absorbed by the group, spokeswoman Kena Lewis told the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida hospital, which treated 12 survivors, also said it would not bill patients or their insurance companies for any of its services, including any follow-up surgeries needed.
Officials say the two hospitals will write off an estimated $5.5m or more in care.
The attack killed 49 people and injured more than 50 others, making it the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history. The gunman, Omar Mateen, was killed by police after a three-hour standoff.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
