Hospital Financial Assistance: How to Get Free or Reduced Care
Hospitals are required to offer financial assistance programs. Learn how to qualify for charity care, reduce bills by 50-100%, and get free hospital care.
What Is Hospital Financial Assistance?
Hospital financial assistance (also called charity care) refers to programs that reduce or eliminate medical bills for patients who can't afford to pay. Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer these programs in exchange for their tax-exempt status. Many for-profit hospitals also offer assistance. These programs can reduce your bill by 50-100% based on your income and family size.
Who Qualifies for Hospital Financial Assistance?
Eligibility varies by hospital, but most programs consider your income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Common thresholds:
- Below 200% FPL: Often qualify for 100% charity care (free)
- 200-300% FPL: Typically 50-75% discount
- 300-400% FPL: May qualify for 25-50% discount
- Above 400% FPL: May still qualify based on medical debt burden
- Some programs consider assets, not just income
- Medical hardship provisions for high bills relative to income
2026 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines
The Federal Poverty Level determines eligibility for most financial assistance programs. Here are the 2026 guidelines for the contiguous US:
- 1 person: $15,060 (100% FPL) / $30,120 (200%) / $60,240 (400%)
- 2 people: $20,440 (100% FPL) / $40,880 (200%) / $81,760 (400%)
- 3 people: $25,820 (100% FPL) / $51,640 (200%) / $103,280 (400%)
- 4 people: $31,200 (100% FPL) / $62,400 (200%) / $124,800 (400%)
- Add $5,380 for each additional family member
- Higher limits in Alaska and Hawaii
How to Apply for Financial Assistance
Every hospital has a different application process, but the general steps are similar. You can apply before treatment, while in the hospital, or after receiving a bill. There's often no deadline, so you can apply even for old bills.
- Ask for the Financial Assistance Application (also called charity care)
- Request the hospital's Financial Assistance Policy (FAP)
- Gather documentation: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements
- Complete the application thoroughly—incomplete apps are often denied
- Submit by mail, in person, or online depending on the hospital
- Follow up if you don't hear back within 2-3 weeks
What to Do If You're Denied
If your application is denied, you have options. Ask for the specific reason—it may be a missing document you can provide. Appeal the decision with additional documentation or a hardship letter explaining your circumstances. Ask about other discount programs even if you don't qualify for charity care. Negotiate a payment plan or settlement instead.
Your Rights Under the ACA
The Affordable Care Act requires nonprofit hospitals to have financial assistance policies, publicize them, and not engage in extraordinary collection actions before making reasonable efforts to determine if you qualify. They must provide free or discounted care to eligible patients and cannot charge more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients.
How to Get Hospital Financial Assistance
Find the hospital's financial assistance policy
Look on the hospital's website, ask the billing department, or request a copy of their Financial Assistance Policy (FAP). This document explains who qualifies and how to apply.
Gather your documents
Collect recent tax returns, pay stubs (last 2-3 months), bank statements, proof of any government assistance you receive, and documentation of other medical expenses.
Complete the application
Fill out every section of the application. Attach all required documentation. Write a brief letter explaining your situation if there are special circumstances.
Submit and follow up
Submit the application and keep a copy. Mark your calendar to follow up in 2-3 weeks if you haven't heard back. Ask for written confirmation of receipt.
Respond to requests promptly
If the hospital requests additional information, provide it quickly. Delays can result in your application being denied or your account being sent to collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hospital charity care?
Charity care is free or discounted medical care provided by hospitals to patients who cannot afford to pay. Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer charity care programs. Eligibility is typically based on income relative to the Federal Poverty Level.
Do all hospitals offer financial assistance?
All nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance under federal law. Many for-profit hospitals also have assistance programs, though they're not required to. Always ask—the worst they can say is no.
What income qualifies for hospital financial assistance?
Most programs help patients with incomes below 200-400% of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2026, a single person below 200% FPL earns less than $30,120/year. A family of 4 below 200% FPL earns less than $62,400/year.
Can I apply for financial assistance after I've already paid?
It depends on the hospital. Some will refund payments if you later qualify for assistance. Others only apply assistance to unpaid balances. Ask about their policy before paying.
Will applying for financial assistance affect my credit?
No. Applying for financial assistance does not affect your credit. However, if you don't apply or pay and the account goes to collections, that can hurt your credit. Applying for assistance can prevent this.
How long does it take to get approved for hospital financial assistance?
Processing times vary, typically 2-6 weeks. During this time, the hospital should not send you to collections. If you're being pressured for payment while your application is pending, remind them of this protection.
Need Help Applying for Financial Assistance?
Upload your hospital bill and we'll help you find the hospital's assistance program and guide you through the application process.
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