Financial Assistance

Ellis Hospital understands that there are times when our patients will be unable to pay for the care they receive. Ellis’ Financial Assistance program provides financial assistance to our qualified patients based on income and needs. In addition, we can help you apply for free or low-cost health coverage, if you qualify.

You may be eligible for:

• Medical Insurance Assistance Program
• Medicaid
• Financial Aid/Charity care Program
• Uninsured Discount Program
• Catastrophic Care Benefits

If approved, financial assistance reduces your Ellis Hospital bill. How much it is reduced is based on established guidelines that include income level, existing debts, medical situation and other indicators of inability to pay.

Just contact one of Ellis’ Financial Advocates to help you understand and apply for the programs that best meet your needs. For more information call our Financial Advocates at 518.243.1695 or ask for them at the hospital’s Admitting/Registration area, first floor A-Wing of the main Ellis campus, for free, confidential assistance. If you do not speak English, someone will help you in your own language.

Who qualifies for Financial Assistance?

Financial Assistance is available for patients with limited incomes and who are uninsured or under-insured. In addition, if you do not qualify for financial assistance, Ellis will cap your charges at 20% of your annual gross income or Ellis will discount your bill if you pay promptly.

Everyone in New York State who needs emergency services can receive care and financial assistance if they meet the income limits and/or other criteria.

Everyone who lives in Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties can receive financial assistance for non-emergency, medically necessary services at Ellis Hospital if they meet the income limits. If your income is between two times and four times the 2008 Federal Poverty Guidelines you may qualify for a discount of 10%-100% of your total charges. It is important for you to know that you cannot be denied medically-necessary care because you need financial assistance.

Regardless of immigration status, you may apply for financial assistance for emergency care if you live in New York State and you may apply for financial assistance for non-emergency, medically necessary services if you live in the counties mentioned above.

Income limits for Financial Aid/Charity Care

Family Size	Annual Family Income
1	up to $41,660
2	up to $56,000
3	up to $70,400
4	up to $84,800
5	up to $99,200

What if I do not meet the income limits for Financial Aid/Charity Care?

If you cannot pay your bill, Ellis Hospital offers a monthly payment plan and other options to patients who do not meet the above income limits.

Prompt Pay Discount Program: If you do not have insurance or if you receive services not covered by your insurance, Ellis will discount your bill by 50% if payment is received within 45 days of the initial billing date.

Catastrophic Care Benefits: If you do not qualify for financial assistance, Ellis will cap your charges at 20% of your annual gross household income.

What do I need to apply for
Financial Assistance/Charity Care?

• Picture ID
• A bill indicating his/her address
• Pay stub or W-2
• Tax returns from the previous year

If you cannot provide any of these, you may still be able to apply for financial assistance.

What services are covered?

All medically necessary services provided by Ellis Hospital are covered by financial assistance. This includes outpatient services, emergency care and inpatient admissions

Charges from private doctors who provide services in the hospital may not be covered. You should talk to private doctors to see if they offer a discount or payment plan.

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Ellis Awards

Cardiac Care Award
Patient Safety Award
Stroke Award