Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center + Lima Memorial Health System — Financial Assistance (Allen County)
Allen County hospital safety net: Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center (Lima — Bon Secours Mercy Catholic, the region's largest hospital and trauma center) and Lima Memorial Health System (Lima — INDEPENDENT not-for-profit; also operates the Putnam County Medical Center in Ottawa). Distinctive — Lima is a two-system market (a Bon Secours Mercy hospital vs a thriving local independent).
Who it's for
Allen County hospital safety net: Allen = Mercy Health St. Rita's (Bon Secours Mercy regional trauma center) + Lima Memorial Health System (INDEPENDENT) — the two-system Lima market. Ohio's Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) requires hospitals receiving HCAP funds (essentially all Ohio acute-care hospitals) to provide basic, medically necessary hospital-level services free of charge to Ohio residents at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own Financial Assistance Program (typically sliding to 200-400% FPL) layers above HCAP. Apply at the hospital financial counseling office or at https://www.mercy.com/patient-resources/billing-insurance/financial-assistance. Phone: 419-227-3361.
Allen: Allen = Mercy Health St. Rita's (Bon Secours Mercy regional trauma center) + Lima Memorial Health System (INDEPENDENT) — the two-system Lima market. Ohio HCAP guarantees free basic hospital-level care at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own FAP slides above that.
What you'll need
- Proof of household income
- Proof of Allen County / Ohio residency
- Photo identification
- Proof of uninsured status or insurance gap
- Hospital bill or pre-treatment estimate
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 419-227-3361
Renewals
per-encounter or annual
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.