How to apply for Hospital Financial Assistance (Freeman Hospital West (Joplin)) — Jasper

Who it's for

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Jasper County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Freeman Hospital West (Joplin) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county; Freeman Health System is headquartered in Joplin with Freeman Hospital West and Freeman Hospital East. Mercy Hospital Joplin is the other in-county option (see the Mercy financial assistance policy at https://www.mercy.net/patients-visitors/billing/financial-assistance). Freeman's financial assistance policy states "No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay," and a discounted/sliding fee schedule is offered based on family size and income. Financial counselors are available Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm at 417.347.6660. The policy, application and sliding scale are posted as downloadable PDFs; the specific FPL percentages live in those PDFs, not in the page text. Locations covered include Freeman Hospital West and Freeman Hospital East (Joplin) and Freeman Neosho Hospital.

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 (Freeman Hospital West (Joplin)) — Jasper. 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)