FAQ: Phoebe Cares Card

Where do I go to get a Phoebe Cares Card?
Apply in the Phoebe Cares Department located at Phoebe Putney.

What items do I need to bring with me to apply for a Phoebe Cares Card?
Verification of your household income (spouses income must be included, if married): 

• Three current paycheck stubs or wage verification on company letterhead
• Last year’s W-2, 1099 Forms and Tax Return
• Three current bank statements for all checking and savings accounts
• Separation Notice or Unemployment Claim, if unemployed
• Your letter from the Social Security office showing amount received, or documentation of amount received from any other pension source
• Food Stamp letter if you receive food stamps
• Assets statements, with equity adjustments (rental property, farm land, second homes, etc…)
• Current CD, 401K, 403B, IRA, and other investments statements
• Current Profit and Loss statement is required for all self-employed applicants

Verification of your residency is required and can include (1) of the following:

• Utility bill
• Telephone bill
• Cable bill
• Rent receipt, a copy of your lease, or house payment/mortgage book
• If you live with someone, please present a notarized letter from that person stating residency and the amount of rent you are paying.

Photo ID is required

Beginning August 1, 2009, we will only be able to consider accounts where the balance has become the patient's responsibility within the past 9 months for assistance.

All hand written statements must be notarized. If someone is handling the application process for you, they must obtain a notarized letter from you giving them permission to handle the application.

If you are a student, proof of enrollment is required.

How long does it take to apply for the card and how soon will I get it if I qualify?
The interview takes about 20 minutes. You may experience as much as a three-hour wait time if you do not have a scheduled appointment. Appointments (preferred) are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. by calling (229) 312-4256. Walk-ins are accepted Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; however, to avoid unnecessary delays and wait times, please schedule an appoinmtnet. Qualified applicants may receive the card that day or within 30 days at the most.

Should I cancel my healthcare coverage?
No, the Phoebe Cares Card is not intended to replace your health insurance. The card is not accepted by all providers that patients may need to see for medical treatment.

Does the card cover visits to my doctor?
The Phoebe Cares Card covers some of the Phoebe Health System Practices. Call
229-312-4220 or 866-514-0015 for more information. The card is accepted at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and at the following facilities:

• Albany Community Hospice
• Cardiovascular Surgical Associates

Does the card cover emergency room doctors and hospitalists?
No, our emergency physicians and hospitalists are independent contractors. The patient must call to make arrangements regarding:

• emergency physician bill - 229-312-4139
• hospitalist physician bill - 229-312-5222

Are X-rays and mammography included on the card? How are they billed? Does the card cover the reading of x-rays or mammograms?
X-rays and mammograms are covered by the card if they are billed through Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The reading of the x-ray or mammogram is not covered. The patient should contact the office scheduled to perform the procedure and provide proof of coverage under the Phoebe Cares Card. 

Do other members of my family need their own Phoebe Cares card?
No, dependents will be listed on the head of household’s card.

How does Phoebe Cares Card affect Peach Care for Kids?
If a child has Peach Care, he/she is not eligible for the Phoebe Cares Card.

If I am eligible for Medicaid, do I still get a Phoebe Cares Card?
If you are eligible for Medicaid, you are not eligible to receive the Phoebe Cares Card.

Does my Phoebe Cares Card cover prescriptions?
Not at this present time.

How long does my Phoebe Cares Card coverage last?
12 months for non-Medicare and 12 months for Medicare if you live in a primary service area (Dougherty, Lee, Mitchell, Terrell, or Worth County) and one time approval if you live in a secondary area (Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Crisp, Early, Miller, Randolph, Sumter, Tift, or Turner County). Cardholders can reapply by calling a Phoebe Cares representative at 229-312-4220.

If you are renewing your Phoebe Cares Card, 50 percent of any outstanding Emergency Center co-pay balance needs to be paid before the card is renewed.

If I am unable to get to the hospital, can someone else apply for a Phoebe Cares Card for me?
Yes, if a letter of permission is signed by you and required documents are presented during the application process.

What happens if I move or my income changes?
Moving to a new city could affect your eligibility to reapply for a Phoebe Cares Card. However, if your income changes, you must report the change to a Phoebe Cares representative. Change of income may affect your coverage.

Patients who need assistance should call the Phoebe Cares Department at (229) 312-4220 or toll free 1-866-514-0015.