How to apply for Hospital Financial Assistance (Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle) — Lowndes in Mississippi

Who it's for

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus takes part in Baptist's Hospital Financial Assistance Policy, which helps uninsured and underinsured patients pay for emergency and medically necessary care. Help is based on family size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Under the policy's discount table, family income under 200% of the guidelines gets a 100% discount; 201-250% gets 95%; 251-300% gets 90%; 301-350% gets 85%; and 351-400% gets 80%. Above 400%, the discount varies by facility. Insured patients with large out-of-pocket bills may also get help. Fill out a Financial Assistance Application and return it with proof of income to the business office where care was received, within 240 days of the first bill. Call the Baptist financial assistance line at 877-348-1281.

What you'll need

• Completed Baptist Financial Assistance Application
• Proof of income, such as pay stubs for the last three months, last year's tax return or W2 forms, assistance letters, bank statements for the last three months, or pension or retirement statements

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Hospital Financial Assistance (Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle) — Lowndes. 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 completed Baptist Financial Assistance Application, proof of income, such as pay stubs for the last three months, last year's tax return or W2 forms, assistance letters, bank statements for the last three months, or pension or retirement statements — 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

every 90 days (an approved discount lasts 90 days)