How to apply for Hospital Financial Assistance (Salem Memorial District Hospital) — Dent

Who it's for

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Dent County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Salem Memorial District Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county hospital in Salem serving Dent County. The Financial Assistance Program covers uninsured, underinsured, patients ineligible for government health coverage, and those with financial hardship: 'Eligible Financial Assistance Program patients will have their Salem Memorial Hospital and/or SMH Family Medicine bills completely covered or reduced.' Approval is effective for one year and reaches back to services 90 days before the first billing statement. Apply through the Financial Assistance department at 573-453-5078. The 2026 income guidelines, application, policy and plain-language summary are posted only as linked PDFs, so no verbatim FPL threshold is recorded here.

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 (Salem Memorial District Hospital) — Dent. 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)