2/16/2023
Receiving free medical care in the United States tends to be complicated. Charity Care is a program that makes this possible, but each hospital applies according to its own policies. Here we'll tell you what it's all about, how it works, the requirements you need and other key aspects.
What is Charity Care
As its name suggests, Charity Care is a no-cost patient care service that can be offered by different healthcare facilities in the United States.
Since many people cannot afford insurance, under this program people with limited resources can be treated for an emergency, receive treatment for an illness or fulfill an expensive hospital stay.
In essence, Charity Care can be used by many different people, including those who are insured. However, the fundamental requirement to obtain this type of care is that you must be unable to pay the billed medical expenses.
It is important to know that other hospitals or medical centers may call it Bridge Assistance or Financial Assistance, as is the case with the Oregon State Bridge Program.
How Charity Care works
According to the ACA (Affordable Care Act), health centers that do not receive income for offering these services, they must provide this charity care in order not to lose their status with the IRS. However, the IRS leaves it up to hospitals to assign their own admission/eligibility policies.
Since each state has its own status with respect to this program, here are some of the more well-known ones:
- Illinois. In this territory, people who can get a medical bill rebate must not exceed 600% of the national poverty level. For people who need free health care, their income cannot be 200% above the aforementioned poverty line.
- California. In this state, patients have the opportunity to receive free or discounted health care when their income does not exceed 350% of the federal poverty level. In addition, they may be eligible when they are uninsured or when the bill exceeds 10% of their annual income.
- New Jersey. In this region, this type of health care applies to all acute care hospitals. The state provides free or reduced-rate medical services to those who have limited resources and whose income is not 300% above the national poverty line. You can call 1-866-588-5696 for more information.
Requirements for Charity Care
The first thing you need to understand is that each welfare institution sets its own rules regarding Charity Care.
As for the amount they can help you with, it will vary depending on the number of people in your household and the money you earn. In the event that the family income does not reach a certain minimum, then the medical center is obligated to take care of the bill.
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In addition, even if your family exceeds this limit but is below twice the poverty level, you will be able to receive a reduction in health care costs.
For more clarity, do not hesitate to consult the conditions of Charity Care where you receive timely care.
We remind you that you can use this benefit once you have been medically discharged or during your stay. Even so, it is advisable that you make the request as diligently as possible so that the health center does not send the bill to its collection department and then file a legal claim so that you have to pay what you owe.
In addition, you should keep in mind that you must first use any health benefits you have available to take advantage of the program. That is, if you have private health insurance, or are enrolled in one of the Medicare or Medicaid health care programs, you must exhaust these avenues.
How to Apply for Charity Care
Charity care under this assistance program should be applied for at the hospital or clinic where you have received or want to receive medical care, by going to the admissions window.
- You will have to fill in a form with your personal and financial data, providing the necessary documentation to verify that all these data are correct. You have 12 months to submit any necessary documents.
- Once the application is complete, the hospital will evaluate it and will respond within a maximum of 10 days.
- In the event of a negative response due to insufficient eligibility, you can try again in less than a year if your circumstances change.
- You can apply before you receive medical care, during the period you receive medical care, or after you receive medical care.
Other alternatives for free or low-cost medical treatment
Along with Charity Care, there are other options you can use when you are uninsured or lack resources:
- Federal health centers. These are clinics that offer medical services on a sliding fee scale in underserved communities, especially in rural areas. They are government-subsidized facilities and must meet certain federal guidelines.
- Hospital emergencies. Emtala law states that these facilities must diagnose and stabilize anyone who shows up at their doors, regardless of their ability to pay or the fact that they are uninsured. For this reason, you can go to the emergency entrance of a hospital in emergency situations to receive free medical assistance.
- Temporary clinics at no cost. Often, health professionals volunteer in underserved communities. These sporadic health centers usually last one or two days and can be located in any public space that allows many people to be served simultaneously. You can contact your county health department to find out about these days.
Español: ¿Qué es el Charity Care y qué requisitos necesita?