How to apply for Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Financial Assistance in Florida

Who it's for

Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf is a 19-bed critical-access acute-care hospital at 3801 U.S. 98 in Port Saint Joe, serving Gulf County and adjacent coastal Panhandle communities. The hospital delivers primary care, specialty care, and 24/7 emergency care. As an Ascension Health Florida affiliate, the hospital follows the Ascension system-wide Financial Assistance Policy: patients at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for 100% free care for emergency and medically necessary services. Patients with documented income between 251% and 400% FPL receive partial discounts on a sliding-scale basis. The FAP applies to all emergency and medically necessary care including employed physician services and behavioral health. There is additionally an Uninsured Discount Program for patients without insurance who don't qualify under the standard FAP. Patients are eligible for up to 100% financial assistance if they submit an application within 240 days of their first discharge bill. Apply by calling Patient Financial Services at 866-869-9677 or via the Ascension Billing Florida online portal. For tertiary, complex cardiac, or specialty care beyond Sacred Heart Gulf's small critical-access scope, patients are referred to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay (Panama City) or Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola (566-bed tertiary referral) under the same Ascension system FAP.

What you'll need

• Completed Ascension Financial Assistance Application (online or paper)
• Proof of household income (recent pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return, SSA-1099)
• Proof of family/household size
• Photo identification
• Documentation of insurance status (insurance denial letter, Medicaid denial, or proof of uninsured status)
• Application must be submitted within 240 days of first discharge bill

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Financial Assistance. 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 Ascension Financial Assistance Application (online or paper), proof of household income (recent pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return, SSA-1099), proof of family/household size — 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.

Step by step

1. Gather your required documents before you apply. You will need: a completed Ascension Financial Assistance Application (online or paper form), recent proof of household income (such as pay stubs, a Social Security award letter, a tax return, or an SSA-1099), proof of family or household size, a photo ID, and documentation of your insurance status (such as an insurance denial letter, a Medicaid denial notice, or proof that you are uninsured).
2. Check the 240-day deadline. Your application must be submitted within 240 days of your first discharge bill. Do not wait — gather your documents and apply as soon as possible after receiving that bill.
3. Choose how to apply. You can apply online through the Ascension Billing Florida portal (the official link is listed on this page) or by phone. To apply by phone, call Patient Financial Services at 866-869-9677.
4. Complete and submit the Ascension Financial Assistance Application. If applying online, upload your supporting documents through the portal. If applying by phone, a Patient Financial Services representative will guide you through the process and let you know how to send your documents.
5. Ask about the Uninsured Discount Program if you do not have insurance and are told you do not qualify under the standard Financial Assistance Policy. A separate discount program may still be available to you.
6. If you are referred to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay (Panama City) or Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola for specialty, cardiac, or other complex care, know that the same Ascension system Financial Assistance Policy applies at those hospitals. You do not need to re-apply if you have already been approved at Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf — confirm this with Patient Financial Services at 866-869-9677.
7. Keep copies of everything you submit, including your application, all documents, and any confirmation numbers or letters you receive.

What to expect: After you submit your application and documents, Patient Financial Services will review your household income and size to determine whether you qualify for 100% free care, a partial sliding-scale discount, or the Uninsured Discount Program. Processing times vary — ask the Patient Financial Services team at 866-869-9677 for an estimate when you apply. You will be notified of the decision in writing. Because this program is reviewed per encounter, you will need to submit a fresh application with updated documentation for future hospital visits or bills. If you are a returning patient with ongoing care needs, be ready to provide current income and household documents each time. Always watch for new discharge bills and remember the 240-day application window restarts with each new bill.

Renewals

per encounter; documentation refresh required for ongoing patients; 240-day window from first discharge bill