If an Avera patient is having problems paying their medical bill, they can contact the business office at their Avera hospital or clinic. Business office or billing staff can discuss payment options that may be available such as extended payments, government programs, or charity care/patient assistance considerations. For those who do not qualify for government programs, Avera's Charity Care and Patient Assistance Programs allows patients to get care at no obligation or discounted obligation, based on income and family size. These programs are available once all other third-party resources (including local assistance programs) are exhausted. To help determine if someone qualifies for Avera's Charity Care and Patient Assistance Programs, Avera: uses income guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, considers all financial assets and liabilities, and requires patients to provide certain personal and financial information, including W-2 forms, bank statements, tax returns and pay stubs.