Financial Assistance
Altru Health System provides temporary financial assistance to patients with demonstrated and documented financial need, who reside in our service area and receive primary health care services at an Altru Health System facility. These programs strive to meet the needs of as many patients as possible, so financial counseling to determine any outside sources is a part of the application process.
Charity Care
Charity Care is a full or partial discount of outstanding patient balances for services deemed medically necessary for patients that are found to have met all financial criteria. Patients may qualify for Charity Care, even though they have insurance coverage, if they are unable to pay the balance remaining after insurance benefits are applied.
Community Care
Community Care is designed to provide financial assistance to those who have no insurance, limited means to pay for their medical services and who do not qualify for external programs. It provides patients with directed, supervised and coordinated care from their Altru Health System primary care physician for a maximum of six months within a two-year period. Existing patients will be able to retain their current primary care physician, while new patients will be assigned a primary care physician. A financial counselor will direct and/or assist the patient in applying for any external programs.
Reduced Monthly Payments
Altru Health System requires payment in full at the time services are provided or patient balance is determined. Our Board of Directors have established guideline monthly payments based on an outstanding balance for those patients who are unable to pay the full amount. We recognize that medical expenses are not always expected and can cause financial hardship. Upon review of the financial assistance application, payments below the guidelines may be allowed.
Applying for Financial Assistance
In determining a patient's eligibility for financial assistance the following factors may be reveiwed:
- Household income/Family size
- Net worth
- Employment status
- Financial obligations
- Health care service needs
- Other payment sources
To apply for financial assistance, please contact Altru Business Center at 701.780.1500 or visit us at 2401 Demers Avenue in Grand Forks or any of our regional locations in Cavalier, Devils Lake, Crookston and Roseau.
Health Care Eligibility Resource Options Program
The HERO (Health care Eligibility Resource Options) program provides services to screen uninsured and underinsured patients for any potentially available health care coverage through local, government and internal programs.
Our financial counselors have a library of resources that may be of service to you. You may qualify for programs based on financial hardship, a disability or the type of care you need. Some financial resources and community agencies available include:
Financial Resources:
- Medicaid
- Women's Way
- Prescription Assistance Programs
- Veterans Administration
- North Dakota/Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs
- Altru's Community Care Program
Community Agencies:
- County Social Services Department
- Public Health
- Infant and Children's Services
- Senior Services
- Support groups for specific needs/topics
HERO is a free resource for Altru Health System patients.
