While there are relatively few studies available that examine medical debt in the queer community, the available research suggests that queer people are more likely to experience medical debt than their CIS counterparts. The goal of this initiative is to share information and resources, particularly in the queer community, regarding eligibility for “Charity Care.” Charity Care refers to medically necessary health care provided for free or at a reduced cost to people with limited income who cannot afford to pay for treatment otherwise.
The information below was compiled by members of the Queer Liberation Working Group of Oklahoma City DSA.
What is Medical Financial Aid
(AKA “Charity Care”)?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines Medical Financial Assistance, also known as “Charity Care,” as “free or discounted health services provided to persons who meet the organization’s eligibility criteria for financial assistance and are unable to pay for all or a portion of the services.” Depending on their eligibility criteria, hospitals may provide charity care to both uninsured and insured patients.
Among other government regulations, federal law requires that nonprofit hospitals—which account for nearly three-fifths (58%) of community hospitals (Fast Facts on U.S. Hospitals, 2024)—provide some level of charity care as a condition of receiving tax-exempt status, and many state governments require all or a subset of hospitals to extend eligibility for charity care to certain groups of patients.
Within the broad parameters set by government regulation, hospitals establish their own charity care policies, which vary in terms of eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the levels of charity care provided. While hospitals bear the direct costs of providing charity care, support from donors and federal, state, and local governments may cover some or all of these expenses.
For more information about how medical debt disproportionately affects queer people, see this report from Community Catalyst: Curbing Medical Debt to Ensure Health and Economic Justice for LGBTQ+ People.
How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?
The process is different depending on the hospital of your choice, and usually only covers medically necessary/emergency care. Medically Necessary Care is defined as “healthcare services or supplies which meet all of the following requirements:
(i) ordered by a physician and appropriate and necessary for the symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment of the medical or mental health condition;
(ii) provided for the diagnosis or direct care and treatment of the medical or mental health condition;
(iii) meet the standards of good medical practice within the medical and mental health community in the service area;
(iv) not primarily for the convenience of the patient or a provider; and
(v) the most appropriate level or supply of service that can safely be provided.”
In most cases, your eligibility will be determined by your declared level of income, and will require a recent tax return as well as other documentation. If you don’t see your preferred hospital on this list, that does not mean that they don’t have a financial aid program. Ask your care provider or someone in the business office of the hospital about financial aid and their application process.
Where can I go in Oklahoma City?
The following hospitals in the Oklahoma City area have some degree of financial aid for patients who are unable to pay for their medical bills.
OU Medical Center
700 NE 13th
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Patients eligible for OU Medicine financial assistance will be charged less than full charges (gross charges). If meeting the requirements of this Policy, patients with income from all sources up to 200% of current Federal Poverty Guidelines will qualify for 100% discount of their Hospital service. Ask your care provider about charity care, and say that you would like an application and information packet.
1-866-656-8715
Integris Health Baptist Medical Center
3300 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
In most cases, patients that fall between 0-150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines based on total household income may have a 100% financial assistance discount processed *subject to income verification/documentation requirements). In certain cases, other discounts ranging from 79-97% may apply if the patient’s total household income exceeds these thresholds.
Further eligibility and assistance information, a copy of Financial Assistance Policy, the Financial Assistance Application form and a plain language summary for the Financial Assistance Policy (English, Spanish or Vietnamese) are available by contacting the INTEGRIS Health Business Office at (855) 409-5458.
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Oklahoma City
1000 N Lee Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit US Healthcare System that provides care in Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. As an SSM facility, and not-for-profit hospital, St. Anthony Hospital does have a financial assistance program. It uses eligibility criteria similar to the other hospitals mentioned, including family size, family income, and the Federal Poverty Level. Finding the information on their website took more searching.
The number for the Financial Services Team is 888-918-3512
Integris Health Southwest Medical Center
4401 S Western
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Integris Health Southwest should have a similar procedure and eligibility system as the Integris Health Baptist Medical Center.
The number for the Southwest Campus is 405-636-7000
Mercy Hospital – OKC
4300 W Memorial Rd
Oklahoma City 73120
Mercy grants hospital and clinic financial assistance to patients for medically necessary care based on need, as determined by the Federal Poverty Guidelines which consider household income and family size. If you apply and are eligible, you’ll pay no more than the amount generally billed to insured individuals.
Customer Service: 855-420-7900
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
4913 W Reno Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73127
This Indigenous Clinic on I-40 and Meridian provides non emergency/preventative medical care.
405-948-4900
What about Ambulances?
EMSA is the primary Ambulance Service Provider for the Oklahoma City area, and has a program known as EMSAcare for patients who cannot pay. The EMSAcare cost is $3.65 per month, which will be billed on your monthly City water bill. The first billing cycle begins in October, which is the first day coverage begins for new participants.
To opt-in or opt-out of the program: Call Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833, or change your participation in the online Utilities account portal.
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