How to apply for Hospital Charity Care / Financial Assistance - Union County

Who it's for

Union County has no hospital of its own, so residents most often use Knoxville-area hospitals - Covenant Health's Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Parkwest Medical Center, and The University of Tennessee Medical Center. These nonprofit hospitals must provide financial assistance (charity care) under federal law: every nonprofit hospital is required by IRS Section 501(r) to have a written Financial Assistance Policy. Uninsured and underinsured patients with limited income can get free or discounted care. Covenant Health provides free or discounted care to patients at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Ask the hospital's financial-counseling office for its policy and application.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return)
• Proof of family size and Union County residency
• The hospital's completed Financial Assistance Policy application

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Hospital Charity Care / Financial Assistance - Union 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 (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return), proof of family size and Union County residency, the hospital's completed Financial Assistance Policy application — 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 application / eligibility period