To get free help from a nonprofit hospital, apply for their charity care program by filling out the hospital's financial assistance application and submitting necessary financial documents to verify your need, such as pay stubs or tax returns. You can find the application on the hospital's website or by contacting the billing department. You may also use resources like Dollar For to find hospital policies and submit an application on their behalf, or community health organizations to help you navigate the process.
1. Check Eligibility & Find Policies
Search online:
Google the name of the hospital followed by "charity care policies" to find their official policy document.
Use Dollar For:
Visit the Dollar For website to access a database of hospital charity care policies and to find out if you're eligible.
2. Complete the Application
Find the form:
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Download the Uniform Hospital Financial Assistance Application or the hospital's specific application from their website.
Gather documents:
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Collect documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or unemployment benefit statements to verify your income and need.
Include a letter:
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Write a letter explaining your situation, even if it's not required, to provide any missing details or to remind the reviewers that you're a person with a real need.
3. Submit the Application
Send it in:
Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the hospital, as instructed on the application.
Allow time:
Hospitals must hold bills for 240 days (about 8 months) while they review your application, according to Dollar For and New York Focus.
4. Follow Up & Appeal
Check in: Follow up with the hospital to make sure they received your application and to see if any additional information is needed.
Appeal a decision: If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
To access free or low-cost government-funded health clinics, apply for programs like Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through HealthCare.gov, as eligibility is often based on income, family size, and disability. If you don't qualify for those, you can find community health centers that offer services on a sliding scale based on income. You can also try the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) website to locate nearby facilities offering free or low-cost care.
1. Check Government Health Programs
Medicaid & CHIP:
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These programs provide free or low-cost coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Visit HealthCare.gov to check your eligibility and apply.
Community Health Centers:
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These centers provide services for free or at a reduced cost based on your income. You can search for one near you on HealthCare.gov.
2. Find a Clinic
Use the NAFC Website:
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Visit the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC), click "Get Started," and enter your location to find nearby clinics that provide free or low-cost care.
Contact Local Social Services:
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If you can't find what you need online, call your local county's Social Services department to ask about free or low-cost healthcare options.
3. Apply for Programs
Apply for Medicaid: You can apply for Medicaid at any time of year on HealthCare.gov. Eligibility depends on income, household size, age, and disability, so it's important to apply even if you're unsure.
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