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.

First, we consider all other financial resources available to the patient — including the patient’s resources, private health insurance, public assistance, Medicare, Medicaid and legal settlements. Patients may be considered for financial assistance or charity assistance only after other avenues have been exhausted. {Click here to view SMH's financial assistance policy (and here for Spanish version); click here to view SMH's charity assistance policy (and here for the Spanish version).}

For more information, please see the information below:

• Maternity Package Agreement
• Assistance Screening Application
• Documents Needed for Your Application

How do I know if I am eligible for assistance, such as Medicaid, financial assistance or charity?

Please complete the Assistance Screening Application, and provide your income and asset verifications. Our staff will review your application and documentation along with your credit report, and then will assess your situation.

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. 

For information regarding price quotes for services, please contact 941-917-1447 or email PriceQuoteLine@smh.com. 

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.

What is the latest date I can qualify for assistance?

This time frame varies depending on the assistance for which you qualify. If you have not contacted Patient Assistance Programs within 180 days from your date of admission,you must write a letter to the Director of Registration explaining the circumstances that prevented you from making contact within the first 180 days.

I have a balance under $1,000, and am wondering why I haven’t been contacted by anyone?

Our program focuses on patients with balances greater than $1,000. Please submit a request in writing to the Director of Patient Registration along with the Assistance Screening Application and all required income and asset verifications.

How long do I have to provide the documentation needed?

Any missing documentation for the Assistance Screening Application must be supplied within seven to ten business days from the date of request for documents.

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 Assistance 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.

For more information, call 941-917-8080. Leave a message, including your name and telephone number, and a team member will return your call within 48 business hours.