HOSPITAL BILLS MAY BE REDUCED OR FORGIVEN IF YOU QUALIFY FOR CHARITY CARE.
Charity care, also called hospital financial assistance, can help patients who cannot afford to pay their hospital bills. Each hospital has its own policy, so the most important first step is to ask what help is available and how to apply. The Tennessee Justice Center helps families on TennCare understand their rights, identify possible errors, and connect medical debt issues to the health care coverage problems that often cause them.
CHARITY CARE MAY HELP COVER
Emergency Room
Visits​
​Medically
necessary care​
Hospital
Stays​
Remaining
balances
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
​​Hospitals may not automatically screen you for eligibility.
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Even if you have insurance, you may still qualify for help.
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Always ask whether the hospital offers financial assistance or charity care.
HOW TO APPLY FOR CHARITY CARE
Follow the hospital’s instructions carefully and apply as soon as possible. If you were denied before, you may still be able to reapply if your financial situation or the hospital policy has changed.
1
Search for your hospital and look for its financial assistance policy using the button above. Most hospitals use the phrase “financial assistance” instead of “charity care.”
2
COMPLETE THE APPLICATION
Ask whether someone at the hospital can help you complete the paperwork and explain the process.
3
GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS
Hospitals usually require proof of income, expenses, residency, household size, insurance status, and other financial information.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE HOSPITAL ABOUT CHARITY CARE
BEFORE APPLYING
Where can I find the financial assistance policy?
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Is there a plain language summary?
What services are covered?
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Is the information available in my language?
DURING REVIEW
Will collections stop while my application is pending?
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How long will the review take?
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How will I be notified?
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Can I check the status of my application?
IF DENIED
Can I appeal the decision?
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What is the deadline to appeal?
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Can I reapply if my situation changes?
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Are there other financial assistance options available?