Charity care screener
Updated September 30, 2026 · How we write our guides
How it works
Hospitals decide who gets charity care and discounts mostly by comparing household income with the federal poverty guidelines. Enter your household size and yearly income to see your percentage, plus the dollar amounts at common cutoffs. Then compare with the hospital's own financial assistance policy. Nothing you enter is saved.
How to use your result
Your percentage is a starting point. Hospitals set their own income limits in their financial assistance policy, usually as a percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Some give free care below one limit and a discount below a higher one.
- Find the hospital's financial assistance policy on its website, or ask the billing office for it.
- Compare your percentage with its limits.
- Apply, even if you're close to a limit. Include proof of income.
- Ask the hospital to hold your bill while it reviews your application.
Our guide to hospital charity care walks through each step.
Where these numbers come from
The amounts are the 2026 poverty guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, effective January 13, 2026. Some hospitals update to the new year's guidelines later, so a hospital may still use last year's amounts for a while.
Common questions
What are the 2026 federal poverty guidelines?
For 2026, the guideline is $15,960 a year for 1 person in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., plus $5,680 for each additional person. A household of 4 is $33,000. Alaska and Hawaii have higher amounts. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services updates them each January.
What percentage do I need to qualify for charity care?
It depends on the hospital. Nonprofit hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy, but each one sets its own income limits, often as a percent of the poverty guidelines. Some states set minimum standards too. The policy should be on the hospital's website, or you can ask the billing office for a copy.
Can I get charity care if I have insurance?
Often, yes. Many hospital policies help with what you owe after insurance, like your deductible and coinsurance. Read the policy or ask a financial counselor at the hospital. Apply even if you're not sure you qualify, and ask the hospital to hold the bill while it reviews your application.
Do you keep what I enter?
No. The screener runs in your browser. Your income and household size aren't saved, sent to Romi Care, or shared with anyone. When you close or refresh the page, they're gone.
Sources
- Poverty guidelines (2026), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ASPE. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Financial assistance policies (FAPs), Internal Revenue Service. Accessed September 30, 2026.
Related guides
This is general information, not legal or medical advice. Rules can depend on your plan and your state. Romi Care isn't an insurer, law firm, collection agency, or government program.