How to apply for Lewis County Health System — Lewis County General Hospital — Financial Assistance (Lewis County)

Who it's for

Lewis County's principal community hospital safety net is Lewis County General Hospital (Lowville, Lewis County Health System) — Lewis's county-affiliated independent community hospital; tertiary referrals route to Samaritan Watertown (Jefferson) or MVHS Wynn Hospital (Utica). Under New York's amended Hospital Financial Assistance Law (PHL 2807-k, effective October 2024), every NY hospital must take the NYS Uniform Hospital Financial Assistance Application and provide free or steeply discounted care on a sliding scale for households up to 400% of the federal poverty level — uninsured, insurance-exhausted, or insured with paid medical expenses over 10% of income. Note: NY Medicaid ABD's ~138% FPL gate means many North Country seniors qualify for Medicaid and would access these hospitals through Medicaid rather than FAP. Apply through the billing office (315-376-5210, billing@lcgh.net, 7785 N State St., Lowville) or download the uniform application under Patient Resources at https://www.lcgh.net/.

What you'll need

• Prior year's tax return and W-2s
• Most recent pay stub
• Benefit award letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
• Retirement income statements (pension, 401(k), IRA)
• If insured: proof of paid medical expenses from the past 12 months

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Lewis County Health System — Lewis County General Hospital — Financial Assistance (Lewis 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 prior year's tax return and W-2s, most recent pay stub, benefit award letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment) — 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