Financial Assistance

Plain Language Summary of Mercy’s Financial Assistance Policy

In keeping with the mission of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center (Mercy) is dedicated to making healthcare services accessible to our community. Mercy acknowledges the financial needs of patients and families who are unable to afford the charges associated with the cost of medical care. In that regard, Mercy provides medically necessary healthcare services at a discount to patients who qualify for assistance under Mercy’s Financial Assistance Policy. Patients who qualify for Financial Assistance may not be charged more for emergency or other medically necessary care than the amounts generally billed to patients who have insurance for such care.

Eligibility and Assistance Offered

In order to be eligible for free care or care at a reduced rate, the patient and/or family must apply by completing a short application. Individuals applying for Financial Assistance will not be denied based upon race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or marital status. To qualify for financial assistance an individual’s application must be received within 240 days from date of the first statement post-discharge. The decision to provide Financial Assistance will be based on a review of the patient’s income, assets and liabilities. Additional information may be requested and ultimately may affect the health system decision.

The necessity of medical treatment for any patient will be based on the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider without regard to the financial status of the patient. All patients will be treated for emergency medical conditions without discrimination and regardless of their ability to pay.

Applying for Financial Assistance

Patients and families wishing to apply may submit a Financial Assistance Application (PDF) and supporting documentation to the Patient Account Department. Copies of Mercy’s Financial Assistance Policy and this Plain Language Summary may be obtained at no cost by visiting or calling the Patient Account Department, hospital registration, or cashier office. Translations of these documents are available. To discuss any questions you might have, or to request a free copy of the Financial Assistance Policy, Application, or Plain Language Summary by mail, please contact the Patient Account Department at:

Patient Account Department
Mercy Medical Center
800 7^th Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
(319) 369-4505

Calculation of Free or Discounted Care

Uninsured Patients

Mercy Medical Center's policy is committed to providing quality healthcare to all persons regardless of their financial status. The Medical Center has developed the following guidelines in an effort to assist those who are in need of such assistance in a fair, non-discriminatory manner. In keeping with Federal Legislation, Mercy Medical Center does seek full payment on all medical bills; however, we intend to help our patients in developing a payment plan or making other payment arrangements. The hospital financial counselors can help you identify ways you can fulfill your financial responsibility. Please contact Patient Accounts at (319) 369-4505 or email or email financialadvocate@mercycare.org to speak with one of our financial counselors. Phones are answered from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Notification

In an effort to make our patients, families, and the broader community aware of Mercy Medical Center’s Financial Assistance Program, Mercy has taken a number of steps to widely publicize this policy including posting of legible signage; development of this Plain Language Summary (PLS) and distribution of informational pamphlets at registration desks. The Financial Assistance Policy, Application, and Plain Language Summary are available in both English and Spanish, by mail and in-person at the hospital.

Includes: Mercy Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center Specialty Physician Groups