Colorado Hospital Charity Care & Financial Assistance Guide
Discover how to qualify for charity care and financial assistance programs at Colorado hospitals. Learn your rights, check your eligibility, and find out how to apply for help with your medical bills.
Last verified: January 28, 2026
Check If You Qualify for Financial Assistance in Colorado
Use our free calculator to estimate your eligibility based on your household size and annual income.
Find out if you qualify for charity care or financial assistance based on federal poverty guidelines.
2024 Federal Poverty Level Income Thresholds
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 200% FPL (Free Care) | 400% FPL (Discounted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,060 | $30,120 | $60,240 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $40,880 | $81,760 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $51,640 | $103,280 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $62,400 | $124,800 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $73,160 | $146,320 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $83,920 | $167,840 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $94,680 | $189,360 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $105,440 | $210,880 |
Colorado Charity Care Income Limits
Hospitals in Colorado use the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to determine financial assistance eligibility. Generally, patients with income below 200% FPL qualify for free care, and those between 200-400% FPL may receive significant discounts. Exact thresholds vary by hospital. Refer to the calculator table above for FPL income levels.
Your Rights: Colorado Hospital Financial Assistance Laws
Colorado's Hospital Discounted Care program requires hospitals to provide discounted care to patients with incomes below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. The state also has the Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) that helps uninsured and underinsured residents access affordable healthcare at participating hospitals and clinics.
- Hospitals must discount care for patients with income below 250% FPL under state law
- The Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) provides a safety net for uninsured and underinsured residents
- Colorado expanded Medicaid under the ACA, covering adults up to 138% FPL
- Patients can apply for CICP at participating hospitals and community health centers
Information verified: January 28, 2026
Hospitals in Colorado with Financial Assistance Programs
All non-profit hospitals in Colorado are required to offer financial assistance under federal law. Here are some of the major hospitals with assistance programs.
Aurora, CO
Denver, CO
View financial assistance program →Broomfield, CO
View financial assistance program →Centennial, CO
View financial assistance program →How to Apply for Hospital Charity Care in Colorado
Follow these steps to apply for financial assistance at a hospital:
- 1
Request a financial assistance application
Contact the hospital's billing department and ask for a financial assistance application. Non-profit hospitals are legally required to provide this information.
- 2
Gather required documents
You'll typically need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), photo ID, proof of residence, and insurance information or proof of uninsured status.
- 3
Submit before the deadline
Most hospitals allow up to 240 days from the first billing statement to apply for financial assistance. Submit your application as early as possible.
- 4
Follow up on your application
Call the billing department regularly to check on your application status. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- 5
Appeal if denied
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Ask for the specific reasons for denial in writing and provide additional documentation if needed.
Need more help? See our complete guide to medical bill advocates and free resources.
Analyze Your Medical Bill for Free
Upload your medical bill and we'll identify billing errors, check your charity care eligibility, and help you generate appeal letters.
Upload Your BillRelated Resources
2026 income limits for hospital charity care: most hospitals cover 100% at 200% FPL and partial discounts up to 400% FPL. See the federal rules, what's covered, and how to apply.
Federal law requires hospitals to inform you about charity care, and 2026 price transparency rules give you new negotiating power. Here's what hospitals must provide.
A practical guide to disputing unfair medical charges and navigating the hospital billing appeals process.
Charity Care Guides for Other States
Connecticut
Connecticut's Hospital Fair Pricing laws protect you from unfair billing. Check eligibility at Yale New Haven and Hartford Hospital — income limits and how to apply.
Delaware
Delaware hospitals like ChristianaCare and Bayhealth offer financial assistance. Expanded Medicaid covers low-income adults — check eligibility and how to apply.
Florida
Florida hospitals like Jackson Memorial and AdventHealth offer financial assistance even without Medicaid expansion. Check eligibility, income limits, and how to apply.
Georgia
Georgia hospitals like Emory and Grady Memorial offer charity care programs. No Medicaid expansion — check eligibility for free or reduced bills and how to apply.