Hospital Financial Assistance / Charity Care

Administered by Nonprofit Hospitals (ACA Required) · cms.gov

Under the ACA, all nonprofit hospitals must have a financial assistance policy. Many will forgive 100% of bills for uninsured or low-income patients — but you must apply.

Eligibility requirements

✓Patient at nonprofit hospital
✓Income typically below 200-400% poverty level depending on hospital
✓Uninsured or underinsured

Insider tip

Ask for the 'financial assistance application' or 'charity care application' before or after any hospital visit — this is not advertised. Hospitals are legally required to provide it. 40% of US hospital patients qualify.

How to apply

Apply directly on the official website. GrantLantern does not process applications — we link you directly to the source.

Apply at cms.gov →

Opens the official source. GrantLantern is not affiliated with this program.

Program details sourced from official government and agency websites. Eligibility is determined by the administering agency — not GrantLantern. Verify current requirements at the official source before applying.

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