Broadlawns Medical Center is deeply committed to providing exceptional care to all our patients. Beyond medical expertise, we understand that navigating the financial aspects of healthcare can be complex. That’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring you have a clear understanding of our billing processes, insurance policies, and the various financial assistance options available, including the vital Broadlawns Community Care Program.
To help us streamline your visit, please remember to bring your insurance cards with you to each appointment. Presenting these to our registration staff allows us to quickly verify your current coverage. You may also be asked to provide a photo ID and/or your social security card for verification purposes. If you currently do not have health insurance, our staff is readily available to provide you with comprehensive information about financial assistance programs that can help. Please be aware that co-payments are expected at the time of service.
Understanding Insurance and Billing at Broadlawns
Broadlawns Medical Center aims to be accessible to as many patients as possible and, therefore, accepts a wide range of insurance plans. We are in-network with all major insurance providers, including government-sponsored programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Our billing department is experienced in processing claims from various insurers and is here to assist you with any insurance-related questions you may have.
Exploring Financial Assistance: The Broadlawns Community Care Program
Recognizing that access to healthcare should not be limited by financial circumstances, Broadlawns Medical Center offers robust financial assistance options. If you are facing financial challenges, have limited or no health insurance, our Financial Counseling Department is your dedicated resource. They can guide you through the available programs and help determine your eligibility.
A cornerstone of our commitment to the community is the Broadlawns Community Care Program. This program is specifically designed to assist local residents who meet certain income guidelines and other criteria to receive necessary medical treatment right here at Broadlawns Medical Center. It’s a vital safety net ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for those who need it most within our community.
[alt text: Broadlawns Medical Center exterior showcasing its commitment to community health.]
Medicaid Renewal Support
Are you currently a Medicaid recipient? It’s important to remember that Medicaid eligibility must be renewed annually. The public health emergency related to COVID-19 temporarily paused renewal requirements for most members, but this requirement has now been reinstated. It is crucial for all Medicaid members to complete their renewal process to confirm ongoing eligibility.
Navigating the Medicaid renewal process can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our certified financial counselors are here to provide personalized assistance. We can help you reapply for Medicaid and, if necessary, explore alternative healthcare coverage options that meet your needs. To ensure a smooth and efficient meeting, please refer to the list of required documents below to prepare.
You can access our financial counseling services on a walk-in basis or schedule an appointment by calling (515) 282-2246. Our operating hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We are ready and waiting to help you!
Medicaid Renewal – Time is of the Essence: We strongly encourage you to meet with a financial counselor as soon as possible. Early consultation allows us ample time to assist you with your Medicaid renewal, explore eligibility for programs like Medicare, Iowa Health and Wellness Plans, other governmental assistance, or, importantly, the Broadlawns Community Care Program.
Understanding Healthcare Resources Available to You
Broadlawns Medical Center and the wider community offer a range of resources to support your healthcare needs. Here is an overview of some key programs:
- Broadlawns Community Care Program: As highlighted, this program provides financial assistance for eligible residents to access treatment at Broadlawns Medical Center. Detailed guidelines are available [here](link to guidelines – if available, otherwise remove “Click here for guidelines.”).
- Iowa Medicaid: This encompasses various medical assistance programs designed for qualifying low-income individuals and families throughout Iowa.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A federal program managed by the Social Security Administration, SSI provides financial aid to aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources.
- Medicare Supplemental Programs: Several programs are available to enhance basic Medicare coverage for senior citizens, helping to cover costs Medicare may not fully address.
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC): A federally funded initiative, WIC offers nutritional support, health screenings, and nutritious supplemental foods to low-income women, infants, and children.
- Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa Program (HAWK-I): HAWK-I is a state-sponsored health insurance program for children in Iowa families with limited incomes, ensuring children have access to essential healthcare.
- Child Health Specialty Clinics (CHSC): CHSC provides specialized clinic services for Iowa children and youth dealing with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional health challenges.
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCT): This Iowa program facilitates access to Medicaid benefits for women diagnosed with pre-cancerous or cancerous breast or cervical conditions during their treatment period.
- Iowa Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS): DVRS is a state agency dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in preparing for, securing, and maintaining employment through various support programs.
- Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVC): The CVC program in Iowa offers financial assistance to victims of crime to help with out-of-pocket expenses resulting from crime-related injuries.
[alt text: Financial counselor assisting a patient, emphasizing personalized support at Broadlawns.]
Preparing for Your Meeting with a Financial Counselor: What to Bring
To ensure your meeting with our Financial Counseling Department is as productive as possible, please gather the following documents and bring them with you:
- Identification: A valid Iowa driver’s license or state-issued photo ID is required for verification.
- Birth Certificate: You must provide a state-issued birth certificate with the state seal for all eligible individuals needing assistance. To request a new birth certificate, you can contact the Lucas State Office Building at 515-281-4944, located at 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines.
- Proof of Income: Please provide proof of income for the last three (3) months. This can include payroll check stubs, an employer letter, Social Security Administration award letters, disability documentation, child support records, foster care documentation, inheritance documentation, and Workers’ Compensation paperwork. If you are self-employed, please bring a ledger of expenses and your most recent federal income tax return.
- Proof of Residency: Utility statements or other official documents showing your current address are needed. Please note that we cannot accept mail from Broadlawns Medical Center as proof of residency.
- Unemployed Status (if applicable): If unemployed, please bring a current letter confirming your enrollment with Iowa Workforce Development, a current physician’s statement detailing your disability status and duration, or a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming disability.
- Shelter-In-Kind: If applicable, provide a current written statement from the person providing you with shelter, including the dollar amount of support being provided. Alternatively, you can complete a shelter-in-kind statement available from our Financial Counseling Department.
- Savings or Checking Account Statements: Please bring current bank statements for all accounts for the past three (3) months.
- Medical Insurance Information: Include Medicare, Medicaid, and any private medical insurance cards, as well as Veterans Administration cards, for all household members.
- Social Security Number: Please bring your social security card. If your card is unavailable, you may use an income tax return, W2 form, or any other official document that verifies your social security number.
- Federal Income Tax Return: A copy of your most recently filed federal income tax return is required.
[alt text: Close-up of documents being organized, representing the preparation for financial counseling.]
Accessing Our Financial Assistance Policy and Resources
For your convenience, we provide access to important documents related to our financial assistance programs:
| Resources | Link |
|---|---|
| Plain Language Summary | [Link to Plain Language Summary – if available] |
| Financial Assistance Policy | [Link to Financial Assistance Policy – if available] |
| Financial Assistance Application | [Link to Financial Assistance Application – if available] |
| Billing Collections Policy | [Link to Billing Collections Policy – if available] |
Contact Our Financial Counseling Team
Our dedicated Financial Counseling team is here to assist you. Please reach out with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
| Contact Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location: | Financial Counseling, Main Campus East Building, First Floor 1801 Hickman Road Des Moines, IA 50314 (map) |
| Phone: | (515) 282-2246 |
| Hours: | Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Broadlawns Medical Center is committed to ensuring that financial concerns do not prevent you from receiving the healthcare you need. We encourage you to contact our Financial Counseling Department to explore your options, including the Broadlawns Community Care Program, and let us help you navigate the financial aspects of your healthcare journey.
