McDowell Hospital stands strong as your neighbor and medical partner. That means we’re here to help you through all aspects of healthcare, including financial. We know the costs associated with obtaining quality care. We understand you may have concerns about meeting those costs. And if you need it, we will work with you to arrange payments or find financial assistance.

About Your Bill

Expect to receive more than one bill for services provided at McDowell Hospital. Your physician may have fees for services provided while you’re in the hospital that are billed separately from other hospital fees. Physicians from the emergency room, Asheville Radiology and the anesthesiologist may also send separate bills if they participated in your treatment. If your lab samples have been sent for review outside the hospital, those charges may appear on a different statement.

We’re here to help. If you have any questions or concerns about the statements you receive, please call us as soon as possible at 828-659-5000.

Insurance

The first step is to check with your insurance company before any inpatient or outpatient procedures to be sure that you have met their requirements, such as a referral from a primary care physician. Also be sure to ask your insurance provider about any deductibles or co-pays that may be your responsibility. McDowell Hospital will file a claim with your insurance company, but deductibles and co-pays must be paid at the time services are provided.

Uninsured

If you do not have insurance then you must pay “up front” at the time of the visit. However, please do not let this stop you from seeking the medical care you need. If you can’t pay your bill due to lack of insurance or limited income, a Financial Assistance Coordinator is available to help you apply for financial assistance.

Financial Assistance

Our process for determining financial assistance is kept strictly confidential and eligibility is determined on an individual basis. The steps for requesting financial assistance include:

• Call our Financial Assistance Coordinator at 828-659-5111
• Participate in a brief phone interview to determine eligibility
• Financial assistance application is mailed to you or we schedule an appointment to discuss the application process
• You’ll need to provide specific financial information
• Decision about assistance is made once all paperwork is complete

McDowell Hospital determines eligibility for assistance by following the household income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. After we review your assistance application, we may determine that you qualify for a discount, Medicaid benefits, or other state assistance programs available to North Caroline residents. If you qualify, our staff will help you complete that application process.

Medicaid Patients

If you have Medicaid, be sure to bring your card with you each time you visit the hospital for any medical services. Medicaid may require you to be referred by your primary care doctor and they may not cover certain services. The best way to be sure is to call your case worker at the Department of Social Services.

Medicare Patients

Please be aware that we are required by law to ask certain questions about your retirement and insurance coverage every time you receive services at McDowell Hospital. We send a claim to your supplemental insurance company before submitting the bill to Medicare. You are responsible for any part of your bill that’s not covered by supplemental insurance and Medicare.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, you can send them through our online form, or feel free to call 828-659-5000.

McDowell Hospital’s Financial Assistance Coordinator is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

If you need help outside of regular hours, please leave a message at 828-659-5111 and the Coordinator will return your call.