Financial Assistance Summary
Ellis Medicine understands that there are times when our
patients will be unable to pay for the care they receive. Ellis
Financial Assistance Program provides financial assistance to
our qualified patients based on income and needs. In addition,
we can help you apply for free or low-cost health coverage, if
you qualify.
You may be eligible for:
- Medical Insurance Assistance Program
- Medicaid
- Financial Aid/Charity Care Program
If approved, financial assistance reduces your Ellis Medicine
bill. How much it is reduced is based on established guidelines
that include income level, existing debts, medical situation and
other indicators of inability to pay.
Just contact one of Ellis Financial Advocates to help you
understand and apply for the programs that best meet your needs.
For more information call our Financial Advocates at
518.243-1695 or ask for them at the Admitting/Registration area
for free, confidential assistance.
Who qualifies for financial assistance?
Financial Assistance is available for patients with limited
incomes and who are uninsured or underinsured.
Everyone in New York State who needs emergency services can
receive care and financial assistance if they meet the income
limits and/or other criteria.
Everyone who lives in Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Fulton,
Montgomery and Schoharie Counties can receive financial
assistance for non-emergency, medically necessary services at
Ellis Medicine if they meet the income limits.
If your income is two times the current Federal Poverty
Guidelines you may qualify for a discount of 100% of your
hospital bill. It is important for you to know that you cannot
be denied medically-necessary care because you need financial
assistance.
Regardless of immigration status, you may apply for financial
assistance for emergency care if you live in New York State and
you may apply for financial assistance for non-emergency,
medically necessary services if you live in the counties
mentioned above.
What are the income limits for Financial Aid/Charity Care?
Family Size Annual Family Income
1 up to $20,800
2 up to $28,000
3 up to $35,200
4 up to $42,400
5 up to $49,600
What if I do not meet the income limits for Financial
Aid/Charity Care?
If you cannot pay your bill, payment plans may be arranged
with Ellis Medicine. Please call 518.243.1500
to speak with a Customer Service representative who can help.
Can someone explain the Financial Assistance Program and
help me apply?
- Yes, free confidential help is available. Call our
Financial Advocates at 518.243.1695.
- If you do not speak English, someone will help you in
your own language.
The Financial Advocate can tell you if you qualify for free
or low-cost insurance such as
Medicaid, Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus. If the
Financial Advocate finds that you do not qualify for low-cost
insurance they will help you apply for Financial
Assistance/Charity Care to reduce your bill. The Financial
Advocate will
help you fill out all the forms and tell you what documents you
need to bring.
What do I need to apply for Financial Assistance/Charity
Care?
- Picture ID
- A bill indicating his/her address
- Pay stub or W-2
- Tax returns from the previous year
- If you cannot provide any of these, you may still be
able to apply for financial assistance.
If you cannot provide any of these, you may still be able to
apply for financial assistance.
What services are covered?
- All medically necessary services provided by Ellis
Medicine are covered by financial assistance. This includes
outpatient services, emergency care and inpatient admissions
- Charges from private doctors who provide services in the
hospital may not be covered.
You should talk to private doctors to see if they offer a
discount or payment plan.
What is the Average Out-of-Pocket Cost for Someone Without
Insurance?
Costs will vary depending on the health care service rendered and
the setting in which the care is delivered (e.g., hospital, doctor's
office). For example, the average out-of-pocket expense for an
uninsured patient for a visit to the emergency room vs. a doctor's
office is generally as follows:
| |
Emergency Department Visit |
Doctor Office Visit |
Uninsured patient Average
out-of-pocket expense >>> |
$210.00 |
$70.00 |
Notes:
- Additional charges (discounted) will apply for any ancillary
services, i.e. lab or x-ray. New York State Surcharge of 9.63%
also applies to all patient expenses.
- This is only an example of an average cost for a typical
emergency department and doctor office visit. It is not a quote
for the cost of any service rendered at Ellis Medicine.
We're here to help.
Ellis Medicine understands that medical expenses are often
unplanned and unexpected and can be difficult to comprehend or
pay for. It is important that you let us know if you will need
help in meeting your medical expenses.
Call 518.243.1695 or
contact us electronically and let
our Financial Advocates help you:
- Estimate out-of-pocket expenses based on your medical
plan
- Get pricing for procedures and tests
- Enroll qualified uninsured and underinsured customers in
Financial Assistance programs
- Complete Medicaid applications when applicable