General standards for most financial assistance programs
Many hospitals use the same financial standards for determining whether a health care consumer is eligible for financial assistance with their hospital bill. Generally, patients who are considered “indigent” will have most – if not all – of their medical bill written off, as they will likely be unable to pay. Patients who are not eligible but still cannot afford their bill due to income restraints are often eligible for reduced cost care, which is termed “charity care.” The below information does not apply to Medicaid.
You are considered medically indigent if your income is at the poverty level or below. For a family of one, this is $10,830. For a family of two, this amount is $14,570. You can find additional amounts on our Web site.
You are eligible for charity care if you make twice the Federal Poverty Level or below.
Know, though, that some financial resources – such as child support or disability payments – can also be counted in the income requirements.