Guides · Last reviewed October 14, 2026
Hospital financial assistance (charity care): who qualifies
Nonprofit hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy and accept applications for at least 240 days after the first bill after discharge. Many give free care to households under 200% of the federal poverty level and discounts up to 300%–400%.
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The federal rules for nonprofit hospitals
Under section 501(r) of the tax code, nonprofit hospitals must:
- Have and publish a written financial assistance policy (FAP), a plain-language summary, and an application.
- Accept applications for at least 240 days from the first post-discharge bill.
- Wait at least 120 days from that first bill before "extraordinary collection actions" such as reporting to credit bureaus or suing.
- Charge people who qualify no more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients for emergency and medically necessary care.
2026 income guide
Hospitals usually set eligibility as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). Find your household size to see where you fall:
| Household size | 100% FPL | 200% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $31,920 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $43,280 | $64,920 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $54,640 | $81,960 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $66,000 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $77,360 | $116,040 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $88,720 | $133,080 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $100,080 | $150,120 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $111,440 | $167,160 | $222,880 |
Annual household income, 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Alaska and Hawaii are higher. Each hospital sets its own limits.
How to apply
- Search "[hospital name] financial assistance policy" to find its application and income limits.
- Ask for an itemized bill so you know exactly what you're being charged.
- Send the application with proof of income, and ask in writing for the account to be put on hold.
- Ask whether assistance can cover bills you've already paid, and request a refund if so.
For-profit hospitals and doctors' offices
The federal rules above apply to nonprofit hospitals. For-profit hospitals, clinics and labs often still offer self-pay discounts or payment plans, and some states require all hospitals to offer financial assistance. It costs nothing to ask.
Financial assistance at major hospital systems
- Ascension financial assistance
- CommonSpirit Health financial assistance
- Trinity Health financial assistance
- Providence financial assistance
Common questions
Can I apply for charity care after I've paid the bill?
Often yes. The application period runs at least 240 days from the first post-discharge bill, and many policies refund amounts paid by people who qualify.
Does charity care hurt my credit?
No. Applying doesn't affect your credit, and nonprofit hospitals must wait at least 120 days after the first bill before credit reporting.
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Sources
- IRS: Billing and collections, Section 501(r)(6)
- IRS: Limitation on charges, Section 501(r)(5)
- 2026 HHS poverty guidelines
Billmira is a self-help information tool, not a law firm, and this isn't legal or medical advice. Rules change and plans differ; check the official sources above and your own documents.