Ascension provides free care for uninsured and underinsured patients with income at or below 250% FPL. Discounted care is available for patients between 250-400% FPL on a sliding fee schedule.
Income Eligibility
100% free care below 250% FPL; sliding scale 250-400% FPL
Tax Exemption Value
$3.8 billion in community benefit (2023)
Charity Care Provided
$1.5 billion in charity care (2023)
Nonprofit hospitals receive tax exemptions in exchange for providing community benefits including charity care. Under IRS Section 501(r), they are required to have a written financial assistance policy and may not pursue extraordinary collection actions before making reasonable efforts to determine eligibility.
- 1Apply through the Patient Financial Services office.
- 2Submit the Financial Assistance Application with supporting income documentation.
- 3Presumptive eligibility may be determined through third-party screening.
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Generate Your Charity Care Application — $49As a patient at Ascension, you have the right to:
- Receive a plain-language summary of the hospital's financial assistance policy before being billed
- Apply for financial assistance up to 240 days after your first billing statement
- Not be sent to collections or have liens placed on your property while your application is pending
- Receive emergency care regardless of your ability to pay, under EMTALA federal law
- Request an itemized bill with every charge explained in detail
- Dispute any charge you believe is inaccurate or unfair
- Be charged no more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients if you qualify for financial assistance
- Have your financial assistance application reviewed within a reasonable time frame