“I can’t stop thanking Providence for financial assistance.”

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Removing barriers to care | Affordable care in Olympia

Agnes lived in Olympia, Wash. for 20 years but recently moved to Benicia, Calif. to care for her elderly parents. 

She almost didn’t have the chance, as an anemic condition threatened her life. Surgeons at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia resolved her health problem, and after applying for financial assistance, Providence took care of the bills she couldn’t afford.

“I was losing a lot of blood and needed a lot of transfusions,” remembers Agnes, who didn’t have insurance at the time. “I knew I needed the surgery, but I couldn’t afford it. So I figured that was it for me.”

But then the financial assistance team at Providence St. Peter explained the assistance options, and Agnes qualified.

“It was a big relief and I thank God and Providence for it,” she says. “I can’t stop thanking Providence, because it was a lot of money that I just didn’t have.”

Agnes was sad to leave her life in Washington, including her daughter, but she is grateful for the chance to take care of her parents in their advanced age.

“They’re 91 and 92; they’re mobile but they’re slower than they used to be,” Agnes says. “I take care of most of their chores, and I’m glad for this time I have with them.”

In 2021, Providence St. Peter Hospital provided financial assistance to 6,594 patients in need.

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