Financial Resources
Minnesota Gastroenterology understands that health care costs can contribute to, and even cause, financial hardship. The following financial resources may be available to you and your family to help defray medical costs.
State and Local Resources
State of Minnesota
- Minnesota Department of Human Services - Provides health care, economic assistance and social services for people who do not have resources to meet their basic needs.
- Minnesota Department of Health - Provides information on a variety of resources, such as how to find a local health care center and how to navigate through health care coverage options and procedures.
- NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center - Sliding fee scale clinic
- Southside Community Health Services - Sliding fee scale clinic
- St. Mary's Health Clinic - Free clinic
Surrounding States
The following organizations provide health care, economic assistance and social services for people who do not have resources to meet their basic needs.
- Iowa Department of Human Services
- North Dakota Department of Human Services
- South Dakota Department of Social Services
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Patient Assistance Programs
The following is a list of organizations which provide financial assistance for out-of-pocket healthcare costs. The diagnoses covered by each organization are noted. Further eligibility requirements (such as insurance coverage, income level and covered medications) may vary for each organization. If you have any questions about these organizations, our Patient Financial Counselor in the Business Office will be happy to assist you and can be reached at (612) 871-1145, option 5.
- Chronic Disease Fund (Colorectal Cancer, Crohn's Disease, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Liver Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer)
- Healthwell Foundation (Crohn's Disease)
- Patient Access Network (Colorectal Cancer, Crohn's Disease, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer)
- Patient Advocate Foundation (Colon Cancer, Crohn's Disease, Hepatitis C, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Ulcerative Colitis)
The following organizations assist patients in finding available financial assistance programs based on disease group, medication, and/or geographic location.
Minnesota Gastroenterology Financial Services
Payment Plan
If your bill is not entirely covered by your insurance plan(s), you will receive a statement from Minnesota Gastroenterology (MNGI). If you had a procedure at one of our ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) you will also receive a statement from that facility. Payment in full is due upon receipt of these statements. However, if you are unable to remit full payment, please contact our Business Office as soon as possible to establish a mutually agreeable, interest-free payment plan.
MNGI Financial Assistance Program
If your income is not sufficient to cover your Minnesota Gastroenterology (MNGI) health care costs and you have been unable to set up a payment plan with our Business Office, you may be eligible for a partial or full discount through our own financial assistance program.
Applications will only be considered after you have spoken with a representative from our Business Office. For more information, read through the Frequently Asked Questions listed below or call 612-871-1145, option 5.
What is the Minnesota Gastroenterology (MNGI) Financial Assistance Program?
Our financial assistance program is a partial or full discount available to patients who are unable to establish a mutually agreeable payment plan with our Business Office. The amount of the discount applied will be determined on a case-by-case basis according to your current financial situation.
Am I eligible for the MNGI Financial Assistance Program?
Eligible patients will have discussed their account balance with our Business Office and been unable to establish a mutually agreeable payment plan.
If we believe you may be eligible for assistance through a state or federal public health care program (i.e. Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, BadgerCare) and you have not yet applied, you will be required to apply for assistance before your application is considered.
Consideration will be based on your household income, expenses, family size and assets. Eligible households will have an annual gross income at or below 350% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines:
| Minnesota Gastroenterology Financial Assistance Program Eligible Household Income Amounts | ||
| Household Size |
Annual Gross Household Income |
Monthly Gross Household Income |
| 1 | $37,905 | $3,159 |
| 2 | $50,995 | $4,250 |
| 3 | $64,085 | $5,340 |
| 4 | $77,175 | $6,431 |
| 5 | $90,265 | $7,522 |
| 6 | $103,355 | $8,613 |
| 7 | $116,445 | $9,704 |
| 8 | $129,535 | $10,795 |
| >8 | Add $13,090 to the annual gross income for each additional family member | |
After you complete our financial assistance application and submit the required supporting documentation, Minnesota Gastroenterology will review your application to determine if you qualify for a discount.
If I meet the income requirements for the MNGI Financial Assistance Program, am I automatically approved?
No. Meeting the income requirements for the program does not ensure approval as many other factors are considered.
What documentation is required for application to the MNGI Financial Assistance Program?
You must submit the following documentation with your completed application:
- State or federal public health care program determination letter - required regardless of whether your application was accepted or denied
- Your most recent federal tax return for you and your spouse*
- Your most recent bank statement(s) for you and your spouse*
- Pay stubs for you and your spouse from the past two months*
*If you are 18 or older and can be counted as a dependent on your parents'
income return(s), you must submit your parents' most recent return(s).
How long does the approval process take?
The approval process length varies, depending on whether or not additional documentation is required. However, the process generally takes about 10 to 14 business days after you provide us with all of the documents necessary to process your application.
Whose income must be included on the application for financial assistance?
If you are married, both spouses' incomes must be included on the application. If you are 18 or older and are counted as a dependent on your parents' income tax returns, both parents' incomes must be included.
Can I apply for financial assistance if I have insurance?
Yes. Any discount for which you qualify under the financial assistance program will be made after we receive payment from your insurance company.
What if I have already made payments on my account?
Discounts will be made on the remaining current balance. Refunds for previous payments will not be made.
How often do I need to apply for the program?
If you are eligible for the financial assistance program, a one-time discount will be applied to your account for all dates of service prior to receipt of your application. You will need to submit another application if you again require financial assistance on future medical care.