Patient Financial Assistance

Financial assistance (also called charity care) refers to free or discounted care provided by healthcare organizations to patients who cannot afford to pay for their medical services, typically governed by the organization's charity care policy.

Eligibility is typically based on factors such as household income, family size, and ability to pay. Patients must meet the organization’s specific criteria to qualify for assistance.

Patients are required to complete an application and provide supporting documentation like tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements to verify their financial status.

Sliding scale programs adjust the level of assistance based on income, lower-income patients may receive greater discounts or full financial relief, while others may receive partial assistance.

Patients not eligible for full assistance may be offered low or zero-interest payment plans to help manage their medical expenses over time.

Yes, healthcare providers often educate patients about available programs, application procedures, and billing transparency to help them understand and access assistance when needed.

Yes, most organizations offer an appeals process for patients who believe their application was unfairly denied. Supporting documents may be reviewed again for reconsideration.

Eligibility is typically based on income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Most nonprofit hospitals are required by IRS regulations to offer financial assistance and publish their criteria publicly.

Financial assistance reduces or eliminates the patient's balance based on need. Patient financing provides payment arrangements or loans that allow patients to pay their full (or reduced) balance over time.