Published: June 2, 2025
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
From surveys done over the past several years, Norton Healthcare* has found that uncomfortable conversations about insurance and ability to pay for medical expenses often prevent individuals from seeking much-needed medical care. In 2024, the first full year Norton Healthcare offered an expanded financial assistance program, nearly 1,500 individuals qualified to receive assistance in the first quarter alone. This year that number has grown to 2,247 in the first quarter. However, there are more who may qualify, and Norton Healthcare encourages these individuals to apply for financial assistance. Families can apply at any time for the program and don’t have to wait until there’s a medical emergency.
The plan covers hospital-based emergency or other medically necessary care. As an added benefit for those who qualify, Norton Healthcare also assists with office visits with Norton Healthcare providers and with medications from Norton Healthcare pharmacies.
“Our mission calls on us to provide health care that meets the needs of our community,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “We want to help as many individuals as possible benefit from the program so their focus can be on getting well, staying well and being healthy.”
Households with total income equal to or less than 350% of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for financial assistance. This percentage equates to $112,525 in combined household income for a family of four. Those who qualify can apply for financial assistance before they plan to seek health care services, and the assistance amount is approved for a full year. After qualifying, financial assistance can be applied to past medical bills up to two years old.
Anyone can apply online in the patient resources area of NortonHealthcare.com; request a paper application, which is available in several languages; apply with a representative over the phone at (502) 479-6300; or visit a hospital in person to speak with a financial counselor. Those taking part in the program can re-apply every year.
The program requires three months of bank statements, which may include prepaid bank card statements such as those offered through Chime or Direct Express.
Those who are preapproved for financial assistance will receive a verification letter. Residents of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Tennessee can be preapproved for financial assistance for an emergency or medically necessary care.
Eligible families can apply for assistance, even if they haven’t been to a Norton Healthcare facility in the past and regardless of whether they have insurance. Using a third party, Norton Healthcare will continue to assist uninsured patients in applying for Medicaid.
For those whose household income excludes them from this program, Norton Healthcare has additional avenues for financial assistance.
*Norton Healthcare includes Norton Children’s services.