Financial Assistance
At WVU Medicine, we believe everyone deserves access to necessary medical care, no matter their financial situation. If you’re worried about affording your medical expenses, WVU Medicine offers financial assistance for patients who qualify. The program is designed to help cover costs for emergency and medically necessary care, making sure treatment is never delayed due to inability to pay.
Who Qualifies for Assistance
To be eligible, patients generally must meet a few criteria:
- The care must be emergent or medically necessary.
- Their household income is less than two times the federal poverty level.
- They do not own substantial assets.
- They’ve tried to get Medicaid and were denied.
- They are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students may also qualify if they provide their visa information and have primary insurance.
Even if someone doesn’t meet all the criteria, there may be exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply
Applying is straightforward. You can submit your application one of two ways:
- Online using MyWVUChart – Log in to your account and access the financial assistance section.
- Download the paper application and send it in by mail once you’ve filled it out completely and gathered the required documents.
Required documentation typically includes proof of income, household size, tax documents, or other financial records. Everything must be completed and submitted before the application can be reviewed. If you need help filling out the form or want to speak with someone in person, you can set up an appointment with a financial counselor Monday through Friday during business hours.
What’s Covered and How Long Assistance Lasts
- Financial assistance covers all emergency and medically necessary services once approved.
- The assistance is valid for six months following approval, so you’ll need to reapply if needed after that period.
- Some services are excluded—details on what is not covered are available in the full policy.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
Not everyone will qualify for full free care, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. If you don’t meet eligibility for complete coverage, WVU Medicine offers discounted care. For example, uninsured patients may receive a 50% discount on hospital services, and provider/physician discounts may be available. Always reach out and ask: financial counselors can often find ways to reduce your financial burden.
How Assistance Amounts Are Determined
WVU Medicine uses a formula known as the “Amounts Generally Billed (AGB)” method — this helps ensure that the charges you’re eligible for under financial assistance are not more than what insured patients pay under Medicare or private insurance.
What to Do Next If You Need Help
- Visit the MyWVUChart portal and look for the Financial Assistance or Billing section.
- Call a financial counselor during business hours for help with your application or questions. The main line for WVU Medicine is 304-598-6260.
- You can also ask for a copy of the financial assistance policy: it’s available online, by mail, or at hospital registration or emergency department desks.
WVU Medicine Financial Assistance – FAQs
Who can apply for financial assistance at WVU Medicine?
Anyone who has received emergency or medically necessary care at WVU Medicine hospitals or clinics, and who meets the income, residency, and documentation requirements, can apply.
What types of care are covered under financial assistance?
Financial assistance applies only to emergency and medically necessary services. Elective or cosmetic procedures are not covered.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify?
Yes, financial assistance is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, international students may qualify if they provide visa information and have primary insurance.
What income level qualifies for free or reduced care?
Patients with household incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for full or partial financial assistance.
Are assets considered in the application?
Yes, applicants must not have significant assets that could reasonably be used to pay medical bills.
How long does financial assistance last once approved?
Approval is valid for six months, after which you must reapply if you still need help.
What if I don’t qualify for full assistance?
If you don’t qualify for free care, you may still receive a discount. For example, uninsured patients may get a 50% discount on hospital services, and additional provider discounts may apply.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
You can apply either online through MyWVUChart or by submitting a paper application with supporting documents.
What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll typically need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s), household size, and possibly documentation of Medicaid denial.
Where can I get the financial assistance application?
You can download it online, request a mailed copy, or pick one up at hospital registration areas, emergency departments, or financial counseling offices.
Who can help me complete the application?
WVU Medicine financial counselors are available to guide you. Call 304-598-6260 during business hours to set up an appointment.
What happens if my application is incomplete?
Incomplete applications cannot be processed. Be sure to provide all requested documentation before submitting.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Processing times can vary, but you’ll generally be notified after WVU Medicine reviews your application and documentation.
What if my financial situation changes after approval?
If your income, employment, or household situation changes, you should notify WVU Medicine. You may need to submit a new application.
How does WVU Medicine calculate financial assistance discounts?
The hospital uses the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) method, which ensures you won’t be charged more than what Medicare or private insurers typically pay for the same services.