The goal of the Business Office is to collect insurance payments in a timely manner, help all patients understand their medical bills, and work with patients on any remaining balances. This policy outlines our financial assistance programs and available payment plans. It is important to note that SMH does not charge interest on any outstanding balances. Our Business Office is committed to working with you to set up a payment plan that is fair and equitable for both you and the hospital.
How Can I Access Financial Assistance Information?
SMH will make a copy of the Patient Financial Assistance policy and the Sliding Fee Scale Application available to all patients upon admission. You can also find financial assistance brochures in the hospital admission offices and lobbies. Throughout the year, our Patient Financial Counselor will also educate the public by participating in community events such as health fairs and county resource events.
For direct assistance, Patient Financial Services can be contacted at (906) 341-3230.
All financial assistance programs are available to patients of all SMH providers. A complete listing of SMH providers may be found at: Find-a-provider.
Important Documents & Links
- Download Our Patient Financial Services Brochure Online
- Download Our Sliding Fee Scale
- Download Our Sliding Fee Scale Application
What is the Sliding Fee Scale Program?
Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital provides a sliding fee discount for uninsured or underinsured patients. Program eligibility is determined by income and household size. The program is designed to provide discounted care to reduce or eliminate financial barriers for those who have no means or limited means to pay for their medical services.
Patients are entitled to financial counseling from our Patient Financial Services Representative, who serves as a patient advocate.
Do I Qualify for Financial Assistance?
Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital will offer a sliding fee discount program to all who are unable to pay for healthcare services provided by SMH. SMH will base program eligibility on a person’s ability to pay and will not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, creed, religion, disability, or national origin.
Below are the requirements for this program:
- Patient’s total household income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Guidelines.
- Patients must fill out and return the Sliding Fee Scale application and submit all required documentation.
Do I Qualify as Medically Indigent?
“Medically Indigent” means persons whom the hospital has determined are unable to pay some or all of their medical bills because their medical bills exceed a certain percentage of their family or household income or assets (for example, due to catastrophic costs or conditions), even though they have income or assets that otherwise exceed the generally applicable eligibility requirements for free or discounted care under the organization’s Financial Assistance Policy.
Does the Hospital Provide a Discount for the Uninsured?
SMH will provide any uninsured patient an “uninsured discount” for medically necessary or emergency services. Patients will be advised on their first statement to contact Patient Financial Services to set up a payment plan for the remaining balance.
Actions for Unpaid Accounts
SMH will work with patients to set up payment plans for the patient portion of their medical bill. Hospital statements are sent out on a monthly cycle. If a patient makes no payments after five statements, the account will be placed with a collection agency. SMH will make every effort throughout this process to contact the patient.
For patients unable to pay the balance due upon receipt, interest-free payment plans may be extended. Arrangements for such payment plans must be made with Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Patient Financial Services (PFS) by calling or self-servicing on the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital website at scmh.org, via text, email, or SMH statement. If a patient fails to make any payments or pays less than the agreed amount after six statements, the account will be referred to a collection agency.
If a Schoolcraft Memorial patient or patient guarantor with an existing payment plan subsequently receives services at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and incurs additional self-pay balances, the patient or patient’s guarantor’s current payment plan may be revised to account for the additional charges.
Payment plans are available to patients or the guarantors who qualify for less than 100% financial assistance but are unable to pay the balance in full. These payment plans will be subject to the same rules applicable to patients or guarantors who do not qualify for any financial assistance.
