For some, it feels easier to ignore medical symptoms than to carry the burden of taking on a medical bill you know you cannot afford. Unfortunately, when serious symptoms develop, deferring medical care has the potential lead to more costly outcomes, including death.
Marquis was experiencing chest pain. He was a younger man so he really thought it was a fluke, that perhaps he was just over-exerting himself, and that the pain would eventually go away and he could avoid a medical bill he knew he couldn’t pay.
After a few days of pain, his family convinced him to seek medical care at the Aurora Sinai Medical Center Emergency Department (ED). His family knew that his health should always come first.
Thankfully, following an exam by an ED physician, Marquis received word that he was okay.  Now his focus went to trying to figure out how he would pay the bill he knew would be coming his way. He was uninsured, only worked part-time, and had no savings to cover this cost.
Aware of his insurance status, the financial advocate expedited the application process for the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance program. Marquis was approved for a 100% discount on his ED visit.
When he received news of his approval, Marquis let out a huge sigh of relief. He told the Advocate, “You just made my day!”