To help patients better focus on their health instead of financial situation, UW Health is proud to offer a financial assistance program to patients who are unable to pay for the care provided at UW Health. Patients work with dedicated staff members to apply for financial assistance to cover all or a portion of their bill. In FY20, UW Hospitals and Clinics’ financial assistance program provided $17.8 million of charity care at cost. This assistance comes as a major relief to these patients who have already gone through the stress of a medical problem. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the need and financial hardship on patients.
Recently a single mother of three shared her concern about the cost of an upcoming medical appointment. She was overwhelmed at the thought of paying her deductible and out-of-pocket cost and was considering cancelling the appointment. She was connected with a UW Health financial counselor who helped her apply for financial aid before the appointment. She was able to be pre-approved, setting her mind at ease knowing she could go to the appointment without incurring a large out-of-pocket expense. 
Our grateful patients express the importance of this assistance best:
Thank you for approving me. You have me in tears. I am off all week again due to a lung infection (long haul COVID). I can’t thank you enough.”
“I can’t thank you and UWHC enough. Besides getting the best care possible, I have been helped so much financially. Thank you!”