What is Community Care?
Community Care is a hospital-based program to provide full or partial financial assistance for Sacred Heart Hospital services to patients.  Guidelines have been established to ensure that our limited resources are used to treat patients who are unable to contribute to the cost of hospital services.

Who is eligible for Community Care?
Patients may be eligible for Community Care if they:

• Have no health insurance coverage;
• Are not eligible for any private or governmental sponsored coverage (such as Medicare, Medicaid, Badger Care, etc.);
• Have health insurance coverage, but are responsible for co-insurance, deductible, or other non-covered medically necessary services; and,
• Meet certain income and asset eligibility criteria.

What guidelines are used to determine household income and assets?
Household income is based upon current Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines. There are limits on the amount of assets you or your family members can own to be eligible for Community Care.  Assets include: Cash, savings and checking accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks and bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts, trust funds, and real estate. Proof of income and assets is required (see below).

Proof of Income
The following documents must be provided as proof of income for you and your family members:

• Federal or state income tax returns;
• Pay check stubs with year–to-date earnings (3 most recent) (employer and unemployment);
• Statement of income from any private or government agency that provides you benefits (pension, grants, scholarships, workers compensation);
• Proof of year-to-date child support or alimony payments.
• Annual statement of Social Security benefits, or bank statements that show the direct deposit;
• Correspondence from governmental agency approving or denying financial assistance.

Proof of Assets
The following documents must be provided as proof of assets for you and your family:

• Checking and savings account statements (3 most recent months)
• Account statements for certificates of deposit, stocks and bonds; mutual funds, retirement accounts, and trust funds (3 most recent months);
• Property tax statement for all real estate, including rental property

COMMUNITY CARE INCOME GUIDELINES

*If your income is above the level shown above, you may still qualify for a partial reduction in your hospital bill.  It is important to fill out the application so that we can make that determination. 

What services are covered by Sacred Heart Hospital’s Community Care program?
Community Care is limited to hospital charges and does not include physician, anesthesiologist, or professional charges.  Community Care is not offered for cosmetic, elective, or experimental procedures. If approved, Community Care will remain in effect for services provided within 90 days of the approval date. Accounts placed with an external collection agency are not eligible for Community Care.

How do I apply for Community Care?
You will be required to complete a Community Care Application and provide copies of documents requested. All information must be returned within fourteen days of receipt.

Notification of Community Care decision
You will be notified by mail if you are eligible for Community Care within 30 days of receipt of all required information.

If you qualify for Community Care
You will be notified by mail of the amount of Community Care granted. If you are eligible for partial Community Care, you are responsible for the remaining balance which must be repaid in accordance with Financial Payment Options. You will be required to reapply for Community Care for services provided 90 days after receipt of your approval.

If you do not qualify for Community Care
You will be notified by mail that you are not eligible for Community Care based on defined income criteria. In the event that Community Care is denied due to income exceeding guidelines, you may request additional consideration by applying for financing from two local financial institutions or through our Helping Hands Lending Program. If financing is denied, you may be eligible for Community Care due to hardship.

If you have any questions regarding Community Care, feel free to contact our Patient Financial Services department at 715-717-4141, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or toll-free at 1-888-445-4554, extension 4141.