These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out what the doctor said
You can ask"What did the doctor say you need? Is there a referral or a paper?"
You can ask"Is it getting worse fast? Bad pain, bleeding, fever, or can't eat or walk?"
Severe pain, chest pain, trouble breathing or heavy bleeding: call 911 or go to the ER now. The ER must check and stabilize anyone, insured or not.
Gila Regional Medical Center
Emergency room
575-538-4000 · 24/7:
911
1313 E. 32nd St., Silver City · 24/7
You can ask"Do you have a regular doctor?" Specialists usually need a referral from one.
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver City Community Health Center: Primary medical care
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm
2Step 1: Try for Medicaid first
Most low-income adults in New Mexico qualify for Medicaid (Turquoise Care). It pays for surgery and specialists.
At the Gospel MissionThe case worker can help apply at YES New Mexico (yes.state.nm.us) right here.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
Medicaid (Turquoise Care)
1-800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm for lunch. Phone line (1-800-283-4465) Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
Bring
- photo ID if they have it
- Social Security number
- proof of income or a note saying they have none
Earn too much for Medicaid? Plans on beWellnm can cost little for low incomes. Open enrollment usually runs Nov 1 to Jan 15.
beWellnm (NM Health Insurance Exchange)
Health insurance enrollment help
833-862-3935
7601 Jefferson St NE, Suite 120, Albuquerque · Mon-Sat 7am-7pm (hours vary)
3Step 2: Ask the hospital for charity care
You can say"Hospitals have programs that make care free or cheaper. You have to ask and fill out the form."
Gila Regional Medical Center
Patient Financial Services (financial counseling, charity care)
575-574-4989
1313 E 32nd St, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
Grant County Indigent Hospital and County Health Care Fund
Indigent hospital/ambulance claims
575-574-0000
1400 Highway 180 East, Silver City
Bring
- photo ID
- proof of income for the last 30 days
- proof they live in Grant County (the Mission can write an address letter)
4Step 3: If the care is only in Albuquerque or Las Cruces
UNM Hospital
Out-of-County Care financial assistance
505-272-2521
2211 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque · Weekdays
MountainView Regional Medical Center
Hospital, ER and charity/discount care
575-556-7600
4311 E Lohman Ave, Las Cruces · ER 24/7
Need a ride or a place to stay? See the guide "Has to travel to Albuquerque, El Paso or Tucson for medical care".
5Free helpers who do the calling
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
HMS Bridges to Care - free care coordination
575-597-0211
Patient Advocate Foundation
Free case management for serious or chronic illness
800-532-5274
· Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm ET
Dollar For
Free help getting hospital bills reduced or forgiven through hospital charity ca
More help like this
Someone collapsed, isn't breathing, or won't wake upUse when someone falls down and won't respond, isn't breathing normally, is only gasping, or is found unconscious on the ground, in a doorway or in a car.Someone is bleeding badlyUse when someone has a deep cut, stab or gunshot wound, or blood is spurting, pooling or soaking through clothes or bandages.Sick, out of medicine, or has no doctor or insuranceUse when someone is sick or hurt, has run out of medicine, or has no doctor or health insurance.Someone is chokingUse when someone can't breathe, talk or cough because food or something is stuck in their throat, or is holding their throat. Includes babies and children.Leaving the hospital with nowhere to goUse when someone is being discharged from the hospital or a treatment program and has no home or no one to care for them.Someone may be having a stroke or heart attackUse when someone suddenly has a drooping face, a weak arm, trouble speaking, or chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or cold sweat.
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This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.