By Qamar S, 15 years in US medical billing · Last reviewed October 31, 2026
Many people pay hospital bills they never needed to pay. Nonprofit hospitals, which are most US hospitals, must offer financial assistance (charity care), and many give free care to families at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and discounts above that. Enter your household size and income to see where you stand.
Private: your numbers stay in your browser and aren’t saved or sent anywhere. This is an estimate based on the 2026 federal poverty guidelines. Each hospital sets its own rules, so always ask for the hospital’s policy and apply.
2026 federal poverty levels (48 states and DC)
| Household size | 100% | 200% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $31,920 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $43,280 | $64,920 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $54,640 | $81,960 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $66,000 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $77,360 | $116,040 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $88,720 | $133,080 | $177,440 |
Add $5,680 for each additional person. Alaska and Hawaii have higher levels, which the checker uses.
Your rights at nonprofit hospitals
- A written financial assistance policy that's posted online, with a plain-language summary and an application.
- Limits on charges: if you qualify, the hospital can't charge you more for emergency or other medically necessary care than it generally bills insured patients.
- Time to apply: the hospital must accept applications for at least 240 days after your first bill following discharge.
- Protection from aggressive collection: the hospital must make reasonable efforts to see if you qualify before taking extraordinary collection actions, such as reporting you to a credit bureau or suing.
For-profit hospitals don't have the same federal rules, but many still offer discounts, and some states require them.
From 15 years in billing: apply even if you have insurance. Financial assistance often covers what's left after insurance, like your deductible and coinsurance, and most patients never ask. If you were told you "don't qualify" on the phone, ask for the written policy and apply anyway.
Free help applying
- Dollar For (dollarfor.org), a nonprofit, helps patients apply for hospital charity care for free.
- Patient Advocate Foundation (patientadvocate.org) offers free case management for people with serious illness.
Frequently asked questions
What is hospital charity care?
It's free or discounted care that hospitals give to patients who can't afford their bills. Nonprofit hospitals must have a financial assistance policy, and many states have their own rules too.
What income qualifies for charity care?
It depends on the hospital and state. Many hospitals offer free care at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and discounts up to 300% or 400%. For a family of 4 in 2026, 200% is $66,000 and 400% is $132,000.
Can I apply for financial assistance after I've paid or after the bill goes to collections?
Often yes. Nonprofit hospitals must accept applications for at least 240 days after the first post-discharge bill, and if you qualify they should refund what you paid above the discounted amount. Apply as soon as you can.
Does financial assistance hurt my credit?
No. Applying doesn't affect your credit. It can actually protect it, because hospitals should pause collection actions while they review your application.
Sources: HHS ASPE: 2026 poverty guidelines · IRS: Financial assistance policies (501(r)) · CFPB: Medical debt
This tool is educational and is not legal, financial or insurance advice. MedBillGuide is not connected to Medicare, CMS or any government agency, and we do not sell insurance. See our Disclaimer.