When Paying Your Medical Bill is a Concern
Sanford Health offers financial assistance for emergency and other medically necessary services provided by Sanford Health. Our efforts to assist patients to secure alternative sources of payment is provided at no cost to the patient, including support that is offered through our partnership with Elevate Patient Financial Solutions.
What is financial assistance?
Sanford hospitals and clinics, collectively Sanford, offer financial assistance for any emergency and any other medically necessary services provided and billed through our centralized Patient Financial Services. This assistance, ranging from a reduction in the amount of the balance outstanding up to complete forgiveness of the balance outstanding, is provided to patients demonstrating financial need.
How do I request financial assistance?
You have three options:
- Download the application online and send it to the address on the application.
- Contact a patient account representative at the phone number listed on your billing statement. Note: If your statement is not available, please contact our Patient Financial Services office at (877) 629-2999.
- Visit the registration representative at the clinic or hospital and they will be able to provide you with an application.
What do I need to include with my request for financial assistance?
Return the application completed in its entirety along with:
- Copies of Bank or Investment statement showing the transaction data and current account balance.
- A copy of your most recent complete tax return, including all schedules.
- Copies of the two most recent pay stubs for each wage earner in the household.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) facility application exceptions
Patients receiving services at any actively certified or prospective National Health Service Corps (NHSC) facilities. Please see list of certified and prospective NHSC locations: Sanford NHSC Facility List. Patients receiving services at one of these facilities may use the alternate assistance application for those services. You may obtain an application at the following link: NHSC Assistance Application.
Return the NHSC Assistance application completed in its entirety along with:
- A copy of your most recent complete tax return, including all schedules.
- Copies of the two most recent pay stubs for each wage earner in the household.
- Copy of your insurance card(s).
What should I expect?
Your application will be reviewed and a decision will be communicated to you within 30 days. All information is confidential. To qualify for Financial Assistance, your household income must be at or below 375% of the federal poverty level. Family size and household income determine this eligibility.
Exceptional circumstances may apply to applicants who own significant valued assets. Sanford may consider the value of an individual's assets in determining eligibility for financial assistance for care and services delivered at any Sanford facility, except facilities that are designated as National Health Service Corps (NHSC).
What if I need language assistance?
To view the Sanford Financial Assistance documents in your language, please access the link below. If you do not see your language, please contact our Patient Financial Services office at (877) 629-2999.
Financial Advocate
Sanford partners with Elevate Patient Financial Solutions℠ [Elevate PFS] to provide financial assistance for uninsured patients who have incurred or will incur medical expenses at Sanford. ElevatePFS has a patient-focused approach identifying the most appropriate assistance from a variety of resources. A referral may be made to ElevatePFS when you have visits at Sanford with no insurance or were identified with additional coverage needs by a financial advocate. Elevate PFS may contact you via phone, text, email, letter or in person visit during your hospital stay. Sanford is pleased to provide this service to you at no charge.
(605) 349-4690
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT