When Mercedes Negron Diaz fell down the steps, she ended up in the Emergency Department at Lancaster General Hospital with a broken arm and in need of eye surgery.
Her daughter and caregiver, Gladys Rodriguez, knew her mother’s medical insurance would not cover everything. First, she went to Patient Financial Services at Lancaster General to see if her mother could qualify for Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance program. Unfortunately, her Social Security income put her $50 over the Federal Poverty Level, so she didn’t qualify.
That’s when Gladys asked Lancaster General for additional help. The Lancaster General counselor checked her mother’s financial records and determined that Mercedes qualified for financial help because her income was below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (income level of $20,800).
Through Lancaster General’s Financial Assistance Program, Mercedes’ medical bill was free.
“We know that many people just above the Federal Poverty Level need help paying their bills,” explained Denise Kennedy, Vice President of Financial Services at Lancaster General.
When Gladys told her mother of the free care from Lancaster General, she got a big smile on her face. “If we had not gotten the assistance, it would have been terrible,” Gladys said. “She has not been in good health, and she has many bills. It seems we’re paying out everything that we receive. We’re so thankful this program exists.”