Medical conditions don’t always wait until your benefits kick in to develop.
When our hospital’s financial advocate entered Mary’s room at Aurora Medical Center-Burlington, she could immediately see apprehension on Mary’s face.
To ease the patient’s nerves, the financial advocate calmly explained why she was there. “My role is to help uninsured patients find assistance to help them pay for their medical bills,” the advocate said. “I saw on your hospital record that you are currently uninsured, and I am here to help. Is this a good time?”
Mary agreed to work through the financial assessment with the advocate. She seemed to relax more and more as the assessment went on.
Mary informed the financial advocate that she would be covered by Medicare starting the following month. However, she had no coverage to help pay for the care she already received.
The advocate was able to approve Mary for a 100% discount through the Advocate Aurora Health Patient Financial Assistance program.
Mary was immediately relieved and repeatedly thanked the financial advocate.
“I also left that meeting with a smile on my face, “the financial advocate said. “It was a great feeling to know that I was able to help lift that load from Mary’s shoulders so she could concentrate on getting healthy.”