What is hospital charity care and how do I ask for it?
Hospital charity care is the written financial assistance policy that section 501(r) of the federal tax code requires every nonprofit hospital to maintain, and you ask for it by calling the billing office and requesting the financial assistance application in writing. The hospital must give you that policy and a plain-language summary of who qualifies; whether your bill is reduced or written off entirely is decided by the hospital's own income criteria.
What this means
- Section 501(r) of the Internal Revenue Code makes this a legal obligation of a tax-exempt hospital, not a favor or a donation.
- The hospital must publicize the policy, make it available free on request, and make reasonable efforts to determine whether you qualify before taking extraordinary collection actions.
- Approval can mean a percentage discount or a complete write-off, depending on the hospital's income table and your household size.
- Some hospitals will refund payments you already made for a bill later approved for assistance.
What to do first
- Ask the billing office for the financial assistance policy, the plain-language summary, and the application form.
- Gather proof of income, such as your Social Security award letter, and proof of household size.
- Submit the application in writing and ask for written confirmation that it was received and that collections are paused.
- If you are denied, ask for the reason in writing and ask about the appeal process.
Hospital Charity Care (Dollar For)
Nonprofit hospitals are required by law to wipe out bills for people who cannot pay. Dollar For helps you apply, free.
What you'll need
- Tax return if you have one
- Photo identification
- The hospital bill or account number
- Proof of income
Deadlines and timing
- The application period is at least 240 days from the first post-discharge bill at most hospitals.
- For-profit hospitals are not bound by 501(r), but many still have a policy. Ask anyway.
- Do not sign up for a hospital payment loan before you have a decision on charity care.
Where to go
- Hospital Charity Care (Dollar For): https://dollarfor.org/
Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editorial Steward · Last verified August 25, 2026
Sources
- Financial assistance policy requirements under section 501(r)(4) · Internal Revenue Service
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