You may be eligible for help with the costs of medical services you received in the hospital or hospital clinic.
What kind of financial help is available?
New York State Charity Care rules allow persons to receive medically necessary health care services at no charge or at a reduced charge when they meet certain eligibility requirements. Each of the hospitals listed here offers a Patient
Financial Assistance Program. Each hospital may have different rules. Financial help may be available at income guidelines higher than those listed here. Contact your hospital directly for detailed information about their program.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must have no health insurance or not enough health insurance to cover the cost of hospital care. Persons who have income below 100% of the federal annual gross income guidelines may be eligible for free care. Persons with household incomes between 100% and 300% may be eligible for a discount according to a sliding fee scale. The hospital may consider other resources, like savings accounts, when deciding the amount of discount to give.
How do I apply?
Application procedures may vary among hospitals. Tell the hospital you are having trouble paying for medically necessary care. Ask to speak with a hospital financial counselor, and request an application for their Patient Financial Assistance Program. Collect your family’s unpaid medical bills, and proof of household income. The
hospital representative will explain what information you will need to complete the application. When you apply for financial assistance with the hospital, they may ask you to apply for one of the government programs. You may be asked to provide proof that you are not eligible for NYS Medicaid, or other programs, such as Child Health Plus.
Federal Income Guidelines
Annual Gross Income Limits Effective 2007
Family Size 100% FPL 300%FPL
1 $10,210 $30,630
2 $13,690 $41,070
3 $17,170 $51,510
4 $20,650 $61,950
5 $24,130 $72,390
6 $27,610 $82,830
7 $31,090 $93,270
8 $34,750 $104,250
Call your local Department of Social Services and tell them you are applying for a hospital financial assistance program. A brief interview may be done over the phone to determine if you qualify for Medicaid. If you are not eligible, you will receive a letter in the mail. Include a copy with your financial assistance application.
Is there any other help?
There are programs and insurance products that offer no-cost or discounted health care coverage. The hospital
financial counselor can give you more information about programs for which you may be eligible, or call the Get Covered Help Line for more information about your health care coverage options.
What’s not covered?
Health care services that are not charged by the hospital, such as some physician services, are not eligible for financial assistance. Contact your health care provider directly to make payment arrangements. Charges for some hospital services may not be eligible for financial assistance, like nursing home care, home care, or other services. Ask the financial counselor if your charges are eligible.