How to apply for Hospital Financial Assistance (University Hospital (Columbia) — nearest; no hospital currently operating in Audrain County) — Audrain

Who it's for

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Audrain County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at University Hospital (Columbia) — nearest; no hospital currently operating in Audrain County for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Audrain Community Hospital / SSM Health St. Mary's-Audrain (Mexico) closed in 2022 under Noble Health/Platinum. The county's own hospital-news page (https://www.audraincounty.org/new-page-1, fetched live, last update Oct 2025) shows the county/City of Mexico bought the building in July 2024 and are working with Boone Health to restore a hospital; a clinic began opening in Aug 2025 but no hospital has reopened. Nearest full-service hospitals are in Columbia (~26 mi); MU Health Care FAP page states 'Eligibility is based on income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level.'

What you'll need

• Proof of household income (tax return, pay stubs, or benefit award letter)
• Proof of family/household size
• Proof of residency and identification

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Hospital Financial Assistance (University Hospital (Columbia) — nearest; no hospital currently operating in Audrain County) — Audrain. 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 (tax return, pay stubs, or benefit award letter), proof of family/household size, proof of residency and 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

annual (reapply per policy)