How to apply for Beacon Health System (Memorial Hospital of South Bend) + Saint Joseph Health System — Financial Assistance (St. Joseph County)

Who it's for

St. Joseph County hospital safety net: St. Joseph = Beacon Health System (Memorial Hospital of South Bend, flagship/trauma) + Saint Joseph Health System (Mishawaka, Trinity Health) — the two-system South Bend market. Indiana hospitals do not have a single state-mandated charity-care law (unlike New Jersey); each runs its own Financial Assistance Program, typically a sliding scale to 200-300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and non-profit hospitals must offer one. Apply at the hospital financial counseling office or at https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/. Phone: 574-647-7167.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income
• Proof of St. Joseph County / Indiana residency
• Photo identification
• Proof of uninsured status or insurance gap
• Hospital bill or pre-treatment estimate

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Beacon Health System (Memorial Hospital of South Bend) + Saint Joseph Health System — Financial Assistance (St. Joseph County). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of household income, proof of st. joseph county / indiana residency, photo identification — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

per-encounter or annual