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Q. What
is Charity Care?
A. The hospital provides necessary health care at no
charge or at a reduced charge to those who meet the financial need
requirements.
Q. Who is
eligible for Charity Care?
A. Charity Care is generally for people who do not
have other financial resources available, such as insurance, government
programs, or regular income.
Q. How do
I apply?
A. Application for Charity Care includes a completed
financial statement and proof of income for the past twelve months for
the responsible person and spouse, using any of the following:
-
Payroll check stubs
-
Most recent IRS tax returns
-
Unemployment compensation records
-
Letter of support from individuals providing basic
needs
-
Notice of benefits from government programs
Incomplete or fraudulent applications will be
denied
Q. Who
sees my application?
A. Your application and all information relating to it
will be kept strictly confidential.
Q. When
will I know if I am eligible?
A. Within fourteen days after receiving your
application, the hospital will notify you in writing.
Q. What
happens if I am eligible?
A. Your written notice will include the level of
discount allowed. If outstanding balance is not paid, the hospital
reserves the right to cancel Charity Care discounts and assign unpaid
balances to a collection agency.
Q. What
if I'm not eligible?
A. Denial notices will include the reason for the
denial, payment terms, and instructions for appeal. You may appeal the
decision by providing additional proof of income or family size within
30 days. All appeals will be reviewed by the director of Patient
Accounts and the Chief Financial Officer. You will receive written
notice of their final decision.
Q. What
about my other medical expenses?
A. The hospital's decision to provide Charity Care
does not affect your financial obligation to your physician or other
health care providers.
Q. Where
can I get more information or help?
A. For help with your application, or if you need more
than fourteen days to complete it, contact your Financial Services
Representative at (360) 715-6500 or 1-800-282-7148.
Applications may be obtained on-line or from Patient
Accounts. They should be returned
to:
St. Joseph Hospital
Patient Accounts - South Campus
2901 Squalicum Parkway
Bellingham, WA 98225
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