Navigating Medical Debt: Financial Assistance Options at Nonprofit Hospitals
Understanding Medical Care Financial Assistance
Even with insurance, many people find it hard to pay for medical care. Nonprofit hospitals must provide financial assistance, known as charity care, to low-income patients. This support can help with necessary medical treatment. Patients who meet certain qualifications may have their bills reduced or waived.
Requirements for Nonprofit Hospitals
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To keep their tax-exempt status, nonprofit hospitals must:
- Widely publicize their financial assistance policies.
- Provide a summary of the policy in plain language during patient intake or discharge.
- Display the financial assistance policies in public areas within the hospital.
- Include links and information about the assistance program on billing statements.
Eligibility for Financial Assistance
The federal government does not specify how hospitals should determine eligibility for financial assistance. Thus, each hospital can set its own criteria. Generally, patients with a family income between 250% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for help. Exact income limits and discounts differ by hospital.
To find out if you qualify for financial assistance, you need to contact the hospital where you received care. Your eligibility will depend on the type of care and your household income compared to federal poverty guidelines.
Financial Assistance Eligibility Chart
| Family Size | Federal Poverty Level | 250% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,060 | $37,650 | $60,240 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $51,100 | $81,760 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $64,550 | $103,280 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $78,000 | $124,800 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $91,450 | $146,320 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $104,900 | $167,840 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $118,350 | $189,360 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $131,800 | $210,880 |
| 9+ | Add $5,380 for each additional person. |
Financial Assistance at Michigan Hospitals
Help is available at various hospitals. Below is a summary of programs from some hospitals in Michigan:
Ascension Southeast Michigan
- Who qualifies? Patients with income at or below 250% of the FPL can get 100% charity care. Those with income between 250% and 400% may get a sliding scale discount.
- Submit by: 240 days after the initial discharge bill.
- Contact: Phone numbers vary by location; see the document for details.
Corewell Health Southeast Michigan
- Who qualifies? Patients with income at or below 250% of the FPL may qualify for free care.
- Submit by: 240 days from the date of the first post-discharge bill.
- Contact: 877-687-7309.
Detroit Medical Center
- Who qualifies? Patients at or below 200% of the FPL may qualify for free care. Discounts are available for incomes between 200% and 500% of the FPL.
- Contact: 888-730-3989.
Henry Ford Health
- Who qualifies? Patients living near the facility with incomes up to 400% of the FPL may receive discounts. Those with income below 250% of the FPL may get a 100% discount.
- Contact: 313-874-7800.
McLaren Health Care
- Who qualifies? Guidelines are based on 400% of the FPL; discounts vary by family size and income.
- Contact: 586-710-8300 or 1-844-321-1557.
Trinity Health Michigan
- Who qualifies? Uninsured patients at or below 200% of the FPL may be eligible for free care. Discounts apply for those above this threshold.
- Contact: 800-494-5797.
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow
- Who qualifies? Uninsured patients with income at or below 200% of the FPL may qualify for free care; insured patients may qualify for discounts.
- Contact: 517-364-7999.
Learn More
For further information on medical debt and hospital billing practices, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.