Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance Summary
In our mission to serve the healthcare needs of residents of Norton County, Norton County Hospital (NCH) is committed to making care affordable. NCH offers discounts, payment options and financial assistance to people who cannot afford to pay for medical care, including Emergency Department services. NCH offers medically necessary services in our facility at a discounted rate or free of charge if you are an eligible candidate under the Financial Assistance Program (FAP).
The financial assistance program applies to all medically necessary hospital inpatient, outpatient and Emergency Department services that are billed by NCH. The applicant must demonstrate an inability to pay in accordance with the income criteria as established by the current Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
Discounts Provided by the Financial Assistance Program
Approved applicants of the financial assistance program will receive discounts for services received based on their annual income and family size under the following conditions:
- When the gross annual income is less than or equal to 150% of FPG and/or medical expenses are greater than 150% of gross annual income, a 100% discount will be provided. Self-employed applicants with business assets less than or equal to $10,000 in addition to the gross annual income requirement and/or medical expense requirement may also receive a 100% discount.
- When gross annual income is greater than 150% but less than or equal to 175% of FPG, a 75% discount will be provided. For self-employed applicants with business assets greater than $10,000 but less than or equal to $15,000 in addition to the gross annual income requirement the 75% discount will be provided.
- When gross annual income is greater than 175% but less than or equal to 200% of FPG, a 50% discount will be provided. For self-employed applicants with business assets greater than $15,000 but less than or equal to $20,000 in addition to the gross annual income requirement the 50% discount will be provided.
NCH asks applicants to provide proof of annual income and family size by including a copy of the prior year federal tax return and twelve-month earnings history, such as W-2 or paystubs, with the completed application. A balance sheet or profit and loss statement may also be requested.
How to Obtain Copies of Our Policy and Application
A patient or guarantor may download a financial assistance application below. Applications are also available for pickup at any registration point of NCH and Norton Medical Clinic and in the business office. Applications may also be mailed to a patient or guarantor by contacting the business office at the phone number or mailing address listed below. A patient or guarantor may also seek assistance in completing the application by contacting a representative at the business office or by calling the phone number below between the hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Completed applications and supporting documentation may be turned in to the business office either in person or by mail at the address listed below.
Click here for the Financial Assistance Application.
A copy of the full Financial Assistance Policy is available by clicking on the links below or upon request to the business office.
Financial Assistance Policy: Appendix A, Provider List
Financial Assistance Policy: Appendix B, Amounts Generally Billed
Epic River Lending Program
Need help paying your medical bills? Norton County Hospital has proudly partnered with Epic River Patient Finance to provide a patient payment program that won’t wreak havoc on your finances and credit. All patients qualify, regardless of credit history. You pick your monthly payment amount and the duration of the loan. All loans are fixed-rate with low-interest and no fees, (hidden or otherwise), funded by Equity Bank.
To apply for Epic River Lending, visit our linked website.
Prompt Payment Discount Program
Upfront Payment Discount: Patients or guarantors who pay for services at the time of service receive a 30% discount. This discount applies to any late charges incurred after the service date.
Payment upon First Billing Statement: Patients or guarantors who pay the account balance upon receiving the first billing statement are eligible for a discount based on the balance due, according to the following schedule. Please note that co-payment amounts due based on insurance coverage do not qualify for this discount.
Payment Plans
NCH offers tailored payment plans based on outstanding bills for which the guarantor is responsible. Plans are customized by balance, with terms not exceeding 37 months from the effective month.
Each guarantor makes equal monthly payments to NCH, with the final payment adjusted to clear the balance. No interest is charged, and each guarantor receives a
personalized payment plan.
NCH will make every attempt to collect balances in-house for 120 days; after this, the account is placed with an outside agency for further collection action
Contact the Norton County Hospital Billing Department
Email address: nchbilling@ntcohosp.com
Physical address: 102 E Holme St, Norton, KS 67654
Mailing address: P.O. Box 250, Norton, KS 67654-0250
Phone number: 785-877-3351
Fax number: 785-877-2841