After being assessed by the medical team in our emergency department (ED), it was quickly determined that Angel’s appendix was inflamed and required immediate surgical removal. Angel worked full time but the small company she worked for didn’t offer medical insurance. – Angel was so worried about paying her medical bills that she even considered asking to leave the hospital without scheduling her procedure.
Thankfully, our financial advocate was able to meet with Angel and her grandmother, who accompanied her to the hospital. Together they completed a financial assessment. The Advocate determined that Angel’s income was slightly over the income limits for Medicaid, however, she was able to approve her for the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program. 
The approval allowed Angel to keep her procedure on schedule and it was covered 100 percent.
Angel and her grandmother hugged and cried tears of joy when Angel received her approval.
Before leaving Angel’s inpatient room, the Advocate gave her number to Angel and encouraged her to reach out when open enrollment starts again so she could help her enroll in coverage for future medical needs.