Community care program provides help to uninsured

Jimmie White had not been to the doctor in years. But when he became violently ill in April, his nephew took him to Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints Emergency Department in Racine.

White had refused to go to the doctor himself because he did not have health insurance and was concerned he would not be able to pay for his care. While at the hospital, Jimmie learned from Financial Counselor Elizabeth Masik of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s Community Care program which provides care to those who qualify.

“He sent in the letters and he got 100% approved, which surprised us,” recalled Jimmie’s sister, Shirley Johnson, who is caring for her brother. “We had no idea there was a way for him to get help like this.”

Jimmie then returned to the hospital for a battery of tests and learned that, among other problems, he was suffering from throat cancer. He is scheduled to begin treatment soon.

“Without the help he got from the program at the hospital he wouldn’t have gone back for the tests,” Johnson said. “We’re very grateful.”