Charity care gives the uninsured access to health care.
With the rising costs of health care, it's not unusual to visit the emergency room for a minor procedure and end up with a bill for several thousand dollars. Many non-profit hospitals provide free health care to people in need. If you or a family member has received care at a non-profit hospital, and you can't afford to pay your bill, there may be ways for you to get free or reduced cost care.
Instructions
1. Call the hospital where you received care and ask them if there are programs in place that would provide help with your bill. Each hospital has its own financial criteria, but in general, you'll need to be uninsured and have a low income to qualify.
Check with the hospital's business office to see if they offer a hospital card program. Some hospitals, like Shands in Jacksonville, Florida, offer free care to low-income patients. You'll usually need to attend a meeting at the business office to fill out an application to provide proof of income and expenses.
2. Fill out the paperwork that the hospital requests. You may be required to write a letter outlining your reasons for needing financial assistance. Proof of income is often required, like recent pay stubs, or a tax return.
3. Return the paperwork to the hospital. Once your case has been approved, you should receive a letter in the mail.
Tags: health care, business office, received care, your bill
