Guides ยท Last reviewed October 28, 2026
Northwell Health financial assistance: 2026 income table and how to apply
Northwell Health says patients with family income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may receive emergency or medically necessary care at no charge, and those between 201% and 500% may qualify for partial assistance.
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This summary uses the policy attached to Northwell's 2024 agreement with the New York Attorney General. Confirm the current policy for your hospital. The agreement covers eligible New York residents; non-residents and people above 500% FPG may receive individual hardship review.
2026 family income at 500% of the guidelines
| Household size | Maximum family income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $79,800 |
| 2 | $108,200 |
| 3 | $136,600 |
| 4 | $165,000 |
| 5 | $193,400 |
| 6 | $221,800 |
For each additional person, add $28,400. These are Billmira calculations using the 2026 HHS guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.; they are not a confirmed current Northwell eligibility determination.
What you pay by income
| Family income (% of FPG) | Uninsured patient pays (% of AGB) | Underinsured pays (% of cost sharing) |
|---|---|---|
| 200% or less | $0 | $0 |
| 201% to 250% | 5% | 5% |
| 251% to 300% | 10% | 10% |
| 301% to 350% | 15% | 15% |
| 351% to 400% | 20% | 20% |
| 401% to 500% | 100% | 100% |
AGB is the amount generally billed to insured patients. Northwell says the program covers emergency or other medically necessary services.
How to apply
- Apply online, by mail, or by phone. The online form lets you upload documents and sign. The application is also offered in many languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Haitian Creole. Help: (800) 995-5727.
- Include proof of income such as checks, pay stubs, or statements, and copies of the bills you want reviewed.
- Apply early, but you can apply anytime. Northwell encourages applying within 90 days of the first post-discharge date on the statement and says you may apply at any time.
- Apply for public insurance if you may qualify. Applicants are expected to cooperate in applying for programs such as Medicaid or Child Health Plus.
Mail to: Northwell Health, Financial Assistance Unit, P.O. Box 9001, Melville, NY 11747. Northern Westchester Hospital, Peconic Bay Medical Center, and Phelps Hospital have their own addresses on Northwell's page.
After you apply
- Once Northwell has your completed application and documents, you can disregard bills and statements until you get a written decision.
- If the application is incomplete, Northwell sends written notice and gives you 30 days to provide the missing items. Normal billing continues, but extraordinary collection actions are suspended during this time.
- Northwell says it will contact you within 30 days of a complete application with the decision.
- If approved: you're told your adjusted balance. For a payment plan, call (888) 214-4066.
- If denied: you can appeal by sending more information or documents to the mailing address for your hospital.
Different rules in some regions
Northwell says billing, insurance, and financial assistance policies may differ for Hudson Valley and Connecticut patients (formerly Nuvance Health). Check Northwell's page for those hospitals.
For general steps and your rights at nonprofit hospitals, see hospital financial assistance. To check the bill itself, ask for an itemized bill.
Common questions
What income qualifies for free care at Northwell?
Northwell says family income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for emergency or medically necessary care at no charge.
Can I ask for help above 500% FPG?
The standard table reaches 500% FPG ($79,800 for one person in 2026). Higher-income hardship cases may receive individual review. At 401% to 500%, uninsured patients owe 100% of AGB and underinsured patients owe 100% of cost sharing; this does not mean the full undiscounted bill.
Do I have to pay while my application is pending?
Northwell says that once it has your completed application and documents, you can disregard bills and statements until you receive a written decision.
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Sources
- Northwell Health: Financial assistance program
- New York Attorney General: Northwell agreement and attached policy (2024)
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
Policy basis: the 2024 agreement and attached policy; confirm current hospital-specific terms. The 2026 dollar figures are Billmira calculations using HHS guidelines. Billmira is a self-help information tool, not a law firm, and this isn't legal, tax, or medical advice. Rules change and plans differ; check the official sources above and your own documents.