Carlos was recently admitted as an inpatient through the Emergency Department (ED) at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. He is an undocumented single man in his mid-fifties. He has no children and has been unable to work due to a non-healing wound on his foot.
Aware of his situation, the Financial Advocate reached out to Carlos to see if she could help him in any way. Carlos did not meet criteria for any Medicaid program due to his non-resident status, age (under 65) and the fact that he had no minor children.
However, after completing a financial assessment, the Financial Advocate determined Carlos qualified for a 100% discount through the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program. The program covered his medically necessary services in the ED, during his inpatient stay, and follow-up services with wound care and hyperbaric for the following 30 days.
The Advocate met with Carlos every thirty days following his hospital discharge to complete a reassessment that ensured a continuation of this financial assistance approval based on based on his critical medical needs. Eventually, after several months, Carlos’ wound healed sufficiently, and he was able to return to work.