How to apply for Lima Memorial Putnam County Medical Center + Blanchard Valley (Bluffton) — Financial Assistance (Putnam County)

Who it's for

Putnam County hospital safety net: Putnam = no in-county acute hospital; served by Lima Memorial Putnam County Medical Center (Ottawa) + Blanchard Valley Bluffton, with inpatient care in Lima and Findlay. 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.limamemorial.org/. Phone: 419-523-3215.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income
• Proof of Putnam County / Ohio residency
• Photo identification
• Proof of uninsured status or insurance gap
• Hospital bill or pre-treatment estimate

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Lima Memorial Putnam County Medical Center + Blanchard Valley (Bluffton) — Financial Assistance (Putnam 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 proof of household income, proof of putnam county / ohio residency, photo 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

per-encounter or annual