Struggling to Pay Medical Bills? Financial Help is Available.
At Door County Medical Center (DCMC), our mission is simple: to care for the health and well-being of every individual. We're committed to providing high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay or their background. To make this a reality, we offer the Community Care Program, a financial assistance program that ensures everyone receives the medical treatment they need, no matter their financial situation.
“A lot of people hear ‘financial assistance’ and think it only applies if you’re uninsured,” said Ashley Moede, Director of Patient Financial Services. “Even those with insurance can qualify for financial assistance. It is a means, after insurance processes, to have a balance further reduced to make payment easier, or forgiven completely.”
Who Can Qualify?
Eligibility is based on the ability to pay. Adults and children are eligible, and patients with or without insurance can apply. “We look at the household size, income, and assets,” Moede explained. “Our goal is to ensure that people who need care are able to get it.”
To qualify for Community Care, patients must:
- Complete an application form (assistance with the form is available if needed)
- Provide documentation of income
- Provide a statement of assets (what you own)
- Provide evidence that you have explored all other means of assistance, including private and public aid when appropriate
Recent changes in Medicaid funding have raised questions about financial aid, but Moede is clear: “This does not impact our ability to provide financial assistance. We provide financial assistance as part of our non-profit status.”
Clearing Up Misconceptions
Applying for financial assistance doesn't limit access to doctors or treatments. As Moede explained, "You can still see your provider at DCMC. Financial Assistance is designed to help patients with the costs they may struggle to cover. You can still see your providers and get the treatment you need."
The only exceptions occur when insurance denies a treatment or when a service is designated as “cash only.” In those cases, the Patient Financial Services team will notify the patient in advance to review options.
Some patients may be hesitant to ask for help, fearing embarrassment or stigma. Moede emphasized that this shouldn't be a barrier to care. “We understand that life can be tough and sometimes we need a little help to get past a hardship and be in a better place. Our health is important, and we wouldn’t want anyone to go without care because they can't afford it.”
Why Apply Early?
Financial assistance isn’t just about easing the burden after a bill arrives; it can also prevent delays in care. “It is important so that necessary treatments are not delayed for patients,” Moede explained. “There have been situations in the past in which patients would not schedule a procedure due to the cost. Our team informs patients of their options and the process for completing a financial assistance application before the procedure is scheduled. This then relieves some anxious feelings someone may be having when it comes to the cost.”
Even better, once approved, financial assistance lasts for a full calendar year. Patients don’t need to reapply each time they receive care, and eligible balances from the past 240 days are also included in the discount.
Accessing the Program
DCMC encourages all patients to learn about the Community Care Program before financial stress becomes a barrier to care. For more information or to request the program guidelines and an application, contact the Patient Financial Services Department: 920-746-3502 option 2 or 1-800-522-8919. Patients can also speak with a financial representative in person at DCMC Sturgeon Bay. Program guidelines and the application are available online [Solicitud de asistencia financiera].
Income Guidelines
January through December 2025
Based on gross family income shown below as a percentage of 2025 Federal Poverty guidelines.
| Family Size | Federal Poverty Level (FPL) 2025 | 200% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $31,300 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $42,300 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $53,300 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $64,300 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $75,300 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $86,300 | $172,600 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $97,300 | $194,600 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $108,300 | $216,600 |
| Each Additional | $8,070 |
Applicable Discount
Patients whose family income and assets is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level determination are eligible to receive free care.
Patients whose family income and assets is above 200% but not more than 400% of the FPL are eligible to receive services at a sliding fee scale.
Patients whose family income and assets is above 400% of the FPL may be eligible to receive discounted rates on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of DCMC. Patients who are not eligible for financial assistance and the patient’s responsibility exceed 25% of the annual gross family income may qualify for a catastrophic financial assistance adjustment.
