Hello All.
In the journey of getting to a neurosurgeon, who is currently reviewing my medical files, imaging, and symptoms that I’ve typed up - his office did notify me of a program within the hospital that helps with financial assistance. My husband is active duty military, his income is in the federal poverty bracket, I cannot work due to my symptoms, and my family and husband cannot afford any out of pocket medical bills, and my insurance has clearly stated whether the neurosurgeon is in-network or out of network they will not cover anything. This office told me then I fall under the category of needing assistance and getting into charity programs.
I do not want anyone to disclose actual income or personal information. Has anyone ever applied and been accepted into programs through hospitals or clinics where the majority, or all of your bills are covered due to insurance not covering anything and your income making it so you cannot afford out of pocket bills or payment plans? If so, what was it like going through the program, how to the people running these programs generally treat you, and how do they “generally” work? I know every hospital and clinic will be different, but there’s always a general feeling associated with it or process that could be similar. Also, does being in these programs affect the type of treatment and/or surgery options I could receive? Calling the finance office and asking makes me more nervous than waiting for this neurosurgeon to tell me this week if I need surgery or treatment.
Just wanted to know if anyone has been through this process and could shed light on their experiences with financial assistance programs with hospitals/clinics. Against, don’t disclose financial or income or anything of sensitive information, not looking for all that. Just a general idea of what to expect, and how to be throughout the process once I start it 
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