Fifteen in 100 homes in Fayette County live in poverty, and due to expanded income guidelines at Fayette County Memorial Hospital (FCMH), fewer patients may have to decide between their hospital bills and other household expenses, according to FCMH officials.

With the change, more households may now qualify for free or low cost care provided by the hospital. Patients whose household income is up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline are eligible for 100% financial assistance and those with a household income of up to 400% of the guideline are eligible for a 60% discount on their FCMH bill.

The change was driven by a desire to help those who are working remain healthy.

“There are a lot of people in the community who are working, but are in between making too much to qualify for assistance yet not making enough to take care of routine medical treatment,” explained FCMH CEO Mike Diener. “They’re still choosing between paying utilities, buying school supplies or getting regular check-ups. What better way to assist than to offer reduced cost health care.”

Those who qualify can also work with counselors to establish a payment plan for the balance.

“For example, a family of four with an income range of $52,401 to $104,800 may now be eligible for a 60% reduction in their healthcare costs at FCMH,” said Diener. “By expanding our income guidelines we anticipate being able to offer reduced cost care to 50% more people, and offer a payment schedule to best suit their needs.”

One application will cover six months of encounters at FCMH. For a complete application and more information, please contact the FCMH Financial Counselors at 740-333-2725.

About FCMH

Fayette County Memorial Hospital is a 25 bed, critical access hospital with over 30 health care providers and over 400 employees. FCMH offers a full spectrum of health care services including same day care, specialty clinic, surgery center, therapy services and women’s wellness center.