Financial Assistance for Patients
Sarasota Memorial's Patient Assistance Programs address the financial needs of uninsured and underinsured patients. Our goal is to alleviate stress by identifying the best possible financial recourse for each patient. Our team of representatives and caseworkers interviews patients prior to, during or shortly after their visit, to obtain all financial information and documentation needed to pursue the best option possible.
Please review the information below along with answers to frequently asked questions to learn more about financial assistance and charity programs. To be considered for financial or charity assistance, you must fill out a Financial Assistance Application (see link below) and provide the requested documentation. Patients can apply for assistance in person, mail, email or over the phone. We will review all financial resources available to the patient — including personal assets, private health insurance, public assistance, Medicare/Medicaid and legal settlements. Patients may be considered for financial or charity assistance only after other avenues have been exhausted.
Our Patient Assistance Programs team is available to help walk you through the application process. Call 941-917-8080 and leave a message, including your name and telephone number, and a team member will return your call within 48 hours.
For other billing questions or concerns, or to request a personalized estimate of the cost of your care, please reach out to our dedicated Billing Advocacy Office at 941-917-1540 or via email at billing-inquiries@smh.com.
Maternity Care Assistance
We offer fixed, discounted care plans for uninsured maternity patients for normal vaginal or scheduled Cesarean deliveries. Click the link below to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am eligible for assistance, such as Medicaid, financial assistance or charity?
To be considered, you must complete the financial assistance screening application and provide information about your income and financial resources. Our staff will review the screening application and documentation along with your credit report, and then will assess your situation. Your information remains confidential.
If you have an insurance plan that is not contracted with Sarasota Memorial or if you do not have insurance, we will ask you to meet with a financial counselor prior to scheduling your appointment. He or she will prepare an estimated cost of services and will request a deposit covering half of those expenses. If you are unable to pay the deposit, we can determine whether you are eligible for government or Sarasota Memorial financial assistance programs.
How long do I have to complete the application?
The timeline for completing the applications varies depending on the type of assistance for which you qualify. It is our goal to be in contact with you a minimum of seven days prior to a scheduled procedure, while you are in the hospital, or up to 14 days after your admission date. If we are unable to contact you while in the hospital, we will attempt to contact you between seven and 30 days after discharge, depending on the type of admission.
How long do I have to provide the documentation needed?
Any missing documentation from the screening application must be provided within seven to ten business days from the date of request for documents.
What is the latest date I can qualify for assistance?
This time frame varies depending on the assistance for which you qualify. You must contact our Patient Assistance Programs team (941-917-8080) within 180 days from your date of admission. If you were unable to meet that timeframe, you may write a letter to the Director of Registration explaining the circumstances that prevented you from making contact within the first 180 days.
Are elective services covered?
Coverage depends on the type of assistance for which you are approved.
- For financial assistance, prequalification is required prior to a scheduled procedure. This includes completing the screening application and providing required income and asset documentation, as well as paying a portion of the estimated charges.
- For charity assistance, elective services are not covered.
- All other programs are subject to a case-by- case review.
Connect with Community Resources
Social needs, such as access to food, housing, transportation, childcare, affordable medications, and utility payment assistance can significantly impact your overall health. SMH has partnered with Unite Us to provide you with a resource directory of Southwest Florida organizations that may assist you. Click here to access community-based non-profits that can help.