Effective in 2026, those receiving financial aid through Columbus Regional Health’s Financial Assistance Program will be required to present documentation that they are ineligible or unable to secure health insurance coverage either through private/employer insurance or a government program such as Medicare, Medicaid or an Affordable Care Act Marketplace plan.

In accordance with this new requirement, those who are eligible for health insurance but choose not to enroll in a plan that is in network or contracted with Columbus Regional Health, will no longer be eligible for financial assistance through a CRH program in order to cover their total medical expenses. However, financial assistance plans and options will remain available as a potential option to cover remaining balances after an in-network or contracted insurance has paid its portion.  Out-of-network insurance plans are ineligible for consideration under the Financial Assistance Policy unless it is determined the service can be considered under the presumptive eligibility portion of the policy.

Anyone unable to attain medical insurance must present an official denial letter, in addition to proof of US residency to Columbus Regional Health Patient Financial Services in order to obtain eligibility for financial assistance.

Key Points

• Effective in 2026, recipients of financial aid and those who wish to apply must provide proof of ineligibility for health insurance coverage:
• This includes documentation for private/employer insurance or government programs (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, ACA Marketplace).
• Open enrollment continues now through January 15, 2026.
• Eligibility Changes: Individuals that choose not to enroll in a plan that is in network or contracted with Columbus Regional Health, will no longer be eligible for financial assistance to cover their total medical expenses.  Individuals who are covered under an out-of-network or non-contracted health insurance plan will not qualify for assistance from Columbus Regional Health unless it is determined the service can be considered under the presumptive eligibility portion of the policy.
• Remaining Assistance Options: Options will still be available for covering remaining balances after in network or contracted insurance payments.
• Those unable to secure medical insurance must submit:
  • An official denial letter for health insurance.
  • Proof of US residency to Columbus Regional Health Patient Financial Services.

Options for government insurance plans (including Medicare/Medicaid):

Medicaid/HIP:

Claim Aid 812-376-5643

United Way 812-418-3573

Marketplace:

www.Healthcare.gov

Marketplace 1-800-318-2596

ASPIN 877-313-7215 (or text ASPINNAV to 844-675-0617)

A list of current in-network providers with Columbus Regional Health is available at https://www.crh.org/patients-visitors/in-network-health-plans

** Not all insurance plans are in network. Please contact your insurance to see if your plan is contracted with Columbus Regional Health**