Financial Assistance

Charity Care and Financial Assistance Summary

South Sunflower County Hospital is committed to serving the healthcare needs of our community. In keeping with this mission, the hospital provides uncompensated or discounted care to patients who do not have the financial resources to pay for medically necessary services. Financial assistance is offered in the form of charity care or reduced charges based on household income and financial need in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

South Sunflower County Hospital provides emergency medical care to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay or eligibility for financial assistance, in full compliance with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). Charity care and financial assistance are not intended to replace personal responsibility. Patients are expected to cooperate with the hospital’s application process and contribute to the cost of their care based on their individual ability to pay.

Eligible Services

●      Financial assistance may apply to medically necessary services, including:
●      Emergency medical services provided in an emergency room setting
●      Services for conditions that, if not promptly treated, could result in a change in a patient’s health status
●      Non-elective inpatient and observation services
●      Other medically necessary services determined on a case-by-case basis
●      Uninsured (self-pay) discounts
●      Charges for patients whose insurance does not have a contractual relationship with the hospital
●      Coinsurance, deductible, and copayment amounts related to insured patients
●      Charges for non-covered services provided to patients eligible for Medicaid or other indigent care programs
●      Charges for patients who have exceeded the length of stay for Medicaid or other indigent care programs
●      Charges for otherwise insured patients who have exhausted their benefits and remain responsible for the balance

Eligibility

Eligibility for charity care or financial assistance will be considered for individuals who reside within South Sunflower County Hospital’s service area, are uninsured or underinsured, are not eligible for government healthcare programs, and are unable to pay for their care based on a determination of financial need in accordance with this policy.

Financial assistance determinations are based on an individualized review of financial circumstances and are made without regard to age, gender, race, social or immigrant status, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.

Applying for Financial Assistance

To determine eligibility, patients must complete a Financial Assistance Application and provide required documentation, including:
●      Most recent Federal Income Tax Return, including W-2 and/or 1099 forms
●      Proof of address
●      Last three pay stubs
●      Photo ID

All patients seeking financial assistance or charity care under this policy must cooperate with the hospital’s application and approval process and provide satisfactory proof of eligibility. Each patient will be individually evaluated to determine eligibility for charity care or financial assistance. Failure to cooperate with the application process may result in denial or discontinuation of financial assistance.

It is preferred, but not required, that requests for charity care or financial assistance be submitted prior to receiving non-emergent medically necessary services. However, a financial assistance determination may be made at any time during the billing or collection process, up to 240 days from the date of the first billing statement.

Policy Availability and Communication

Information about South Sunflower County Hospital’s Charity Care and Financial Assistance Policy is available throughout the hospital and online to help ensure patients are aware of the support available. Policy information is posted in hospital admission areas, and the emergency department, and the full policy and Financial Assistance Application are available on the hospital’s website.

Patients are notified of the availability of financial assistance during admission or pre-admission and through written notices included with patient billing statements. Emergency room patients receive notification prior to discharge.

​Providers included / or not included in South Sunflower County Hospital's Financial Assistance Policy, may be viewed here.

SSCH Charity/Financial Assistance Policy

SSCH Application for Charity Care and Financial Assistance