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Healthcare Assistance Program (HAP)

The Catholic Health Heathcare Assistance Program allows persons to receive medically necessary services at no charge or reduced charge, if they are eligible, at Catholic Health facilities. It is not an insurance program.

HAP covers the cost of healthcare "forgiven" by Catholic Health hospitals and services for people who are unable (through private payment, employer payment, or public aid) to pay for healthcare services, or people unable to get healthcare because of limited resources, inadequate education, or discrimination. This program does not apply to Catholic Health long-term care and home care programs.

Click here to download the full Catholic Health Uninsured Expected Payment and Healthcare Assistance Policy.

Click here to download Attachments C and D.

Who is eligible?

HAP is primarily for Erie and Niagara county residents. Residents of other counties may participate if a similar program is not available in their area. Participants must meet the program’s income requirements, and have savings and/or investments under certain amounts set by Catholic Health. These requirements are based on poverty guidelines and change each year. Copies of these guidelines can be obtained by calling a Catholic Health financial counseling representative at (716) 601-3600. These guidelines can also be found in all hospital admissions areas.

Who is not eligible?

You are NOT eligible if:

• Your income exceeds income guidelines
• You already have health insurance
• You have Medicare and are over 65 years old
• You are eligible for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or Family Health Plus

What is not covered?

The Catholic Health Healthcare Assistance Program does have limits to what it will cover. HAP will not cover:

• Services provided more than three months before the date the program application is received. If you do not make payment arrangements for services received prior to that time, you will not be eligible for the program.
• Doctor fees, even if that doctor’s office is located at one of our hospitals. Only physician fees/services at our hospital-operated primary care sites are covered.
• Services provided by private specialists 
• Cosmetic surgery 
• Charges for medical equipment and supplies 
• Physician services such as radiology, anesthesia, emergency room physicians, consulting visits, or any private provider; for these services, you will need to make private/separate payment arrangements

More Information

If you would like additional information about our Healthcare Assistance Program or would like to begin the application process, please call (716) 601-3600.