Financial Assistance / Charity Care Information

As a part of our healing ministry, the Sisters of Mercy Health System is committed to providing quality healthcare services to patients regardless of their financial situation. We offer payment assistance for those who do not have insurance or who are in financial need.

Uninsured Patient Discounts

A discount from the hospital's regular billed charges will be provided to patients who do not have insurance. This includes patients whose financial situation normally would not otherwise qualify them for charity care discounts. The discount for all uninsured patients will be at least 15%. The exact amount of the discount will be calculated based on the average discounts provided by the hospital to commercial managed care payers, such as insurance companies.

Patients without insurance whose financial situation qualifies them for charity care discounts (see Eligibility Guidelines below) must first find out if they are eligible for Medicaid before applying for financial assistance. Patients denied Medicaid eligibility then must provide certain information to show financial need. Click here for the Patient Financial Statement and information for filling it out.

Applications for charity care discounts will be reviewed for eligibility based on the applicant's income, family size, amount of payment due and availability of other assets or resources. Please note that care must be medically necessary to be considered eligible for uninsured patient discounts.

Eligibility Guidelines for Charity Care Discounts

The Federal Poverty Guidelines for income are the basis for determining eligibility for charity care discounts. For example, individuals with incomes below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will be eligible for free care. Individuals with incomes greater than 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may be eligible for care at discounted rates depending on their income level and/or the amount due to the hospital.

Additional Financial Assistance

After appropriate discounts have been applied, arrangements may be made for an interest-free monthly payment plan. Generally, no patient's financial responsibility will be greater than 20% of annual household income, adjusted to consider availability of other assets that could be used toward making payments.

If you have concerns about your ability to pay for your care or questions about financial assistance or charity care discounts, please contact our Financial Counselor at 479-936-2995.