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Hospital financial assistance (charity care)
Many hospitals must offer it. Few people ask.
Nonprofit hospitals are required by federal tax rules to have a written financial assistance policy, and many other hospitals offer help too. Depending on your income, bills may be reduced or forgiven.
How to ask
- Look for "financial assistance" on the hospital's website, or ask the billing office
- Ask for the policy and application
- Gather proof of income and household size
- Apply, even after you've received a bill; ask them to pause collections while it's reviewed
- Keep copies of everything
General educational information, not medical or insurance advice. Dime and Dollar isn't paid by any insurer, provider, pharmacy or discount program.