Hospital Bill Assistance
Most hospitals are required by law to provide charity care and financial assistance to patients who can't afford their bills. Here's how to get help with hospital charges, emergency room bills, and outpatient clinic costs.
🏥 Know Your Rights
All non-profit hospitals (about 60% of hospitals) are legally required to provide charity care. Even for-profit hospitals often have financial assistance programs.
General Income Guidelines for Hospital Charity Care
Typical Assistance Levels (2024)
*Guidelines vary by hospital and family size. Many hospitals use 250-400% of Federal Poverty Level as their cutoff.
How to Apply for Hospital Financial Assistance
Contact the Hospital's Financial Assistance Office
Call and say exactly this: "I need information about your charity care program or financial assistance for my medical bills."
Where to call:
- Hospital billing department
- Patient financial services
- Case management/social work department
Gather Required Documents
- Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)
- Tax returns (most recent year)
- Social Security award letters
- Unemployment benefits documentation
- Insurance cards (if you have any)
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- ID and Social Security card
- List of monthly expenses
Complete the Application
Most hospitals have financial assistance applications available:
- Online: Check the hospital's website (search "[Hospital Name] financial assistance")
- In person: Visit the hospital's billing or registration office
- By phone: Request an application be mailed to you
Tip: You can apply BEFORE receiving treatment at most hospitals. Don't wait until you get the bill!
Follow Up on Your Application
Timeline: Most hospitals respond within 30-60 days
If approved: You'll receive a letter explaining your discount amount
If denied: Ask for an appeal process or speak to a hospital social worker
Keep records: Save all applications, approval letters, and correspondence for your files.
Major Hospital Financial Assistance Programs
Mayo Clinic Financial Assistance
Income guidelines: Up to 300% of Federal Poverty Level
Assistance levels:
- Under 200% FPL = 100% free care
- 200-300% FPL = Sliding scale discount
Apply: mayoclinic.org
Phone: (507) 538-0698
Cleveland Clinic Financial Assistance
Income guidelines: Up to 400% of Federal Poverty Level
Assistance levels:
- Under 200% FPL = 100% free care
- 200-400% FPL = Reduced cost care
Apply: clevelandclinic.org
Phone: (216) 444-7904
Kaiser Permanente Medical Financial Assistance
Income guidelines: Up to 350% of Federal Poverty Level
Assistance levels:
- Under 200% FPL = 100% free care
- 200-350% FPL = Sliding scale discounts
Apply: kp.org
Phone: Varies by region
Dignity Health Financial Assistance
Income guidelines: Up to 350% of Federal Poverty Level
Assistance levels:
- Under 200% FPL = 100% free care
- 200-350% FPL = Discounted care
Apply: dignityhealth.org
Phone: Check local hospital
Payment Plans & Other Options
Interest-Free Payment Plans
Most hospitals offer payment plans with no interest if you don't qualify for charity care.
- Monthly payments as low as $25-50
- No credit check required at many hospitals
- Terms typically 12-36 months
To request: Contact hospital billing department
Prompt Payment Discounts
Many hospitals offer discounts for paying your bill in full quickly.
- 5-20% discount for paying within 30 days
- Some hospitals offer up to 50% off
- Can be combined with other assistance
To request: Ask when you receive your bill
Medical Credit Cards
Special credit cards for medical expenses (use carefully).
- CareCredit - 0% interest promotional periods
- Alphaeon Credit - Healthcare financing
- Wells Fargo Health Advantage
Caution: High interest rates after promotional periods
What If Your Application Is Denied?
1. Request an Appeal
Most hospitals have an appeal process. Common reasons for denial that can be appealed:
- Missing documents (you can provide them)
- Income calculation errors
- Special circumstances not considered (job loss, medical emergency, etc.)
2. Speak to a Hospital Social Worker
Hospital social workers can often help you find alternative resources or advocate for you within the hospital system.
3. Try Other Hospitals
If you need ongoing care, different hospitals have different financial assistance policies. Some are more generous than others.
4. Legal Protections
Know your rights:
- Hospitals cannot refuse emergency care due to inability to pay
- Non-profit hospitals must provide charity care policies
- You have rights under the Affordable Care Act
Other Financial Assistance Options
💊 Free Medications
Get free or low-cost medications through pharmaceutical patient assistance programs.
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Find assistance with wound care supplies and medical equipment.
Supply Assistance🚨 Emergency Help
Facing an immediate medical crisis? Get emergency financial assistance.
Emergency ResourcesNeed Help Navigating Hospital Financial Assistance?
Our patient advocates have helped hundreds of patients get hospital bill relief. We can help you apply, gather documents, and appeal denials.