Financial assistance options

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Understanding the cost of your healthcare procedures is crucial for maintaining both your physical and financial well-being. Medical fees often include a variety of components such as physician services, facility charges, and supplies, but may not always cover additional elements like anesthesia, lab tests, or follow-up visits. It is important to request a detailed, itemized estimate from your healthcare provider before proceeding with treatment. Additionally, engaging with financial advocates or assistance programs can help you navigate payment options, insurance coverage, and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Financial Assistance and Payment Options

  • Financial Advocates: Many healthcare organizations offer free, personalized financial assessments through dedicated Financial Advocates. These professionals can help you understand your bill, identify cost-saving options, and apply for available assistance.
  • Government Programs: Programs such as Wisconsin Medical Assistance provide coverage for eligible individuals, including families, pregnant women, children, the elderly, and disabled persons.
  • Veterans Affairs Benefits: If you are a veteran, you may qualify for healthcare benefits through the Veterans Health Administration.
  • Crime Victim Compensation: Individuals who have been victims of crime may be eligible for specific compensation programs to help cover medical expenses.

Cost Breakdown Considerations

  • Physician and facility fees
  • Diagnostic tests and laboratory work
  • Anesthesia and surgical supplies (if applicable)
  • Medications and post-procedure care
  • Follow-up visits

Always confirm which services are included in your quoted fee and clarify all potential additional charges.

Insurance and Payment Advice

  • Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage and confirm your deductible, co-pay, and out-of-pocket maximums.
  • Ask for an itemized estimate from your provider before scheduling any procedure.
  • Inquire about financial assistance programs or payment plans if you anticipate difficulty paying your medical bills.
  • Keep all correspondence and documentation related to your care and billing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I can’t afford my medical bill?
Contact a Financial Advocate at your healthcare provider for a free assessment of your eligibility for financial assistance or payment plans.
What costs are typically included in a medical procedure fee?
Fees often include physician and facility charges, but may not cover anesthesia, lab work, medications, or follow-up care. Always request a detailed estimate.
How do I know if my insurance will cover the procedure?
Call your insurance company and provide the CPT or revenue code for the procedure to verify coverage, deductible, and co-pay information.
Are there government programs that can help with my medical expenses?
Yes, programs like Wisconsin Medical Assistance and Veterans Affairs Medical Benefits may provide coverage if you meet eligibility criteria.
Can I set up a payment plan for my medical bills?
Many healthcare providers offer payment plans. Ask your billing office or Financial Advocate about available options.
What should I do if I receive a bill for something I thought was covered?
Review your itemized bill, contact your insurance provider for clarification, and reach out to the billing office for assistance with discrepancies.
Is there help available for crime victims facing medical costs?
Yes, the Crime Victim Compensation Program can help eligible individuals cover medical expenses related to the incident.
How can I lower my out-of-pocket costs for a procedure?
Ask about financial assistance programs, confirm insurance coverage, and request a full, itemized estimate before your procedure.
Who should I contact about financial assistance at my healthcare provider?
Reach out to your provider’s Financial Advocate or billing office to discuss available programs and eligibility requirements.

At Aurora, it’s our mission to help you live well. That means helping you achieve your best health in every area of your life – from your physical and emotional health to your financial health as well.

Financial health means understanding the cost of your health care services. It also means having access to the plans, programs, and financial assistance options that are right for you.

If you want to learn more about your financial assistance options, contact one of our friendly Financial Advocates for a free, personalized financial assessment.

During the assessment, your Advocate will:

  • Identify your unique health care needs
  • Assist with understanding potential cost of medical treatment
  • Discuss your financial assistance options

Call 800-326-2250 to speak with one of our Financial Advocates today.

Payment options

If you need medical attention but are worried you can’t afford it, speak with a Financial Advocate to see if you qualify for financial assistance.

Many of our patients have found medical financial assistance through programs like:

Wisconsin Medical Assistance From health to nutrition to childcare, this program offers medical assistance to minor children, pregnant women, families with children, and childless adults. There is also help available for blind, elderly and disabled individuals.

Veterans Affairs Medical Benefits Veterans Health Administration helps eligible veterans get the benefits they need.

Crime Victim Compensation Program If you’ve been the victim of a crime, there is coverage available to help with your medical expenses.

Affordable Care Act Shop for your health insurance through the marketplace. Based on your family’s size and income, you may be eligible for premium assistance or tax subsidies to assist with the cost of your health insurance premiums.

Financial assistance

Our financial assistance program is designed to assist people who are within a certain income range. You can get the quality Aurora care you deserve – no matter what life throws your way.

Am I eligible for financial assistance?

You’re eligible to apply for financial assistance if you:

  • Live in Wisconsin or another Aurora service area
  • Are an established Aurora patient
  • Have already tried to get financial assistance from other sources, such as Federal, state or local programs or grants, or have tried to get help privately

Please note that patients eligible for financial assistance will not be charged more than amounts generally billed for emergency and other medically necessary care.

Which medical services are covered?

We are committed to helping those in medical need. That’s why we cover medically necessary services related to an illness or injury.

Please note that financial assistance does not cover elective, preventative, or routine medical services.

In addition to the criteria mentioned above, eligibility for our financial assistance program is based on certain income guidelines:

Family sizeFederal poverty level100% discount income below
1$15,060$45,180
2$20,440$61,320
3$25,820$77,460
4$31,200$93,600
5$36,580$109,740
6$41,960$125,880
7$47,340$142,020
8$52,720$158,160

Please note: You must apply for financial assistance within 240 days of your first billing statement. The guidelines are not intended to discourage anyone from seeking medical care. This is not a health insurance program, and there are limitations to the services that are eligible.

Discount programs

Uninsured discount

Uninsured patients will receive a 50% discount off gross charges on all medically necessary services. The uninsured discount is available to all uninsured patients and is applied automatically, so no action is needed by the patient to receive the discount.

Catastrophic assistance

Patients who are not eligible for financial assistance but who have incurred very large balances may apply for a catastrophic discount. The catastrophic assistance program is available to assist patients who have had a catastrophic medical event that resulted in very large medical bills in comparison to their household income.

Take the next step

If you have questions about medical financial assistance or are ready to speak with a Financial Advocate, call 800-326-2250. Financial Advocates are also located in all of our hospitals and many of our clinics. Ask any of our teammates where to locate the Financial Advocate most convenient for you.

Plain language summary

  • Plain Language Summary of our Financial Assistance Policy (English) [PDF]
  • ملخص سياسة المساعدة المالية بلغة مُبسط ة (Arabic) [PDF]
  • Resumen en lenguaje sencillo de la Política de asistencia financiera (Spanish) [PDF]
  • Txoj Cai Hais Txog Kev Pab Cuam Nyiaj Txiag Cov Lus Xaus Ntsiab Lus Hom Lus Yooj Yim (Hmong) [PDF]
  • Podsumowanie zasadach pomocy finansowej w zrozumiałym języku (Polish) [PDF]
  • Краткое изложение Политики финансовой помощи на понятном языке (Russian) [PDF]
  • 财政援助政策简明语言摘要 (Simplified Chinese) [PDF]
  • 經濟援助政策簡明語言摘要 (Traditional Chinese) [PDF]

Financial assistance policy

Financial assistance application

More information

Check out our Participating Provider’s list [PDF] for Aurora’s Financial Assistance Program.

You can also view our complete Collection Policy by clicking here.  [PDF]

Get more information about Aurora’s Financial Assistance Policy by calling 800-326-2250 (Option 6), or by writing to:

Financial Assistance, P.O. Box 909996, Milwaukee, WI 53209-0996