Supporting hospital and community

Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association (DMHA) is making an important change to better serve our patients and ensure the long-term health of our hospital. Starting January 15, 2025, DMHA will begin collecting copays, coinsurance, and patient-responsible balances at the time of service.

This change is necessary as we align with industry standards and help DMHA provide timely, transparent billing while strengthening the hospital's financial foundation. For many in our community, this approach will be familiar, as it mirrors practices at other healthcare facilities across Montana. By adopting this process, our community is taking steps to secure Dahl Memorial's financial position and place as a trusted provider for generations to come.

Why This Matters

Rural hospitals like DMHA face unique challenges. By collecting payments at the time of service, we can reduce billing delays, provide more accurate cost information upfront, and dedicate more resources to what matters most-caring for our community.

We also want to ensure every patient understands their insurance benefits, financial responsibility, avoiding confusion caused by delayed billing. For the hospital, this change supports sustainability, enabling us to continue delivering high-quality care right here in Ekalaka.

Our Commitment to Financial Assistance

We understand that not everyone can pay their balance immediately. That's why DMHA offers a comprehensive Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) to help patients who need support with emergency or medically necessary care.

Here's what you should know about our FAP:

• Eligibility: Patients may qualify for free or discounted care based on household income and size. For example:

- Households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for free care.

- Households earning between 151% and 250% of the FPL may receive discounted care.

• Covered Services: Emergency and medically necessary care provided by DMHA is eligible. Services billed by separate providers may not be covered.

• How to Apply: Applications are available online at http://www.dahlmemorial.org, at the Business Office (106 E Park St, Ekalaka), or by calling 406-775-8730.

Our team is here to assist with the application process, ensuring no one in need goes without care.

What to Expect

When you check in for scheduled services, our admissions staff will:

1. Verify your insurance benefits and calculate your responsibility based on copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

2. Provide a clear explanation of any amount due at the time of service.

We ask all patients to bring the following to every appointment:

• Insurance information

• Photo ID

• Payment method (cash, check, or card)

If you have questions about your benefits, we recommend contacting your insurance provider before seeking care to ensure you fully understand your coverage.

For those facing financial hardship, our staff will work with you to explore options, including payment plans or financial assistance.

A Step Toward a Stronger Future

This change benefits everyone:

• For patients: A clearer, more streamlined billing process with fewer surprises.

• For the community: A financially stable hospital ready to meet local healthcare needs for years to come.

We're grateful for your support as we implement this improvement. Together, we can ensure that Dahl Memorial remains a cornerstone of health and wellness in Carter County.

For questions about the new payment process or financial assistance, please contact the DMHA Business Office at 406-775-8730. We're here to help!