Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, things happen that lead to the need to seek medical attention. 
Elizabeth, a single mother of two young children, found herself seeking care in the Emergency Department (ED) or Aurora Medical Center in Burlington after she experienced an accidental injury in May 2020.
As the nurse prepared Elizabeth for discharge, she asked if she had any questions. Elizabeth’s response was, “Do you have anyone who can help me figure out how I am going to pay for this bill?” 
Per Elizabeth’s request, the nurse forwarded Elizabeth’s contact information on to the hospital’s Financial Advocate. When the Advocate was able to connect with Elizabeth, Elizabeth informed her that her children were covered under Badger Care but that she was not eligible due to being six percentage points over the maximum wage limits. In other words, she was over income limits for Badger Care coverage but was unable to afford purchasing medical coverage on her own.
Through their phone conversation, the Financial Advocate was able to complete a financial assessment with Elizabeth. The assessment resulted in approval for a 100% discount on the expenses incurred due to her ED visit through the Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program.
When the Advocate shared the approval news with Elizabeth, she could hear Elizabeth begin to cry. “Thank you!” Elizabeth responded to the news. “You have no idea what this means to me! Thank you so much!”