Indiana Hospital Charity Care & Financial Assistance Guide
Discover how to qualify for charity care and financial assistance programs at Indiana 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 Indiana
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 |
Indiana Charity Care Income Limits
Hospitals in Indiana 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: Indiana Hospital Financial Assistance Laws
Indiana does not have specific state charity care legislation. Non-profit hospitals must comply with federal 501(r) requirements. Indiana expanded Medicaid through the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), which provides coverage to low-income adults with a unique health savings account component.
- The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) provides Medicaid coverage with a health savings account component
- Non-profit hospitals must provide financial assistance under federal 501(r) rules
- Indiana University Health is the state's largest hospital system and offers financial assistance
- Patients should apply for HIP or hospital financial assistance before bills go to collections
Information verified: January 28, 2026
Hospitals in Indiana with Financial Assistance Programs
All non-profit hospitals in Indiana are required to offer financial assistance under federal law. Here are some of the major hospitals with assistance programs.
Indianapolis, IN
View financial assistance program →Indianapolis, IN
View financial assistance program →Indianapolis, IN
View financial assistance program →Indianapolis, IN
How to Apply for Hospital Charity Care in Indiana
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.
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Charity Care Guides for Other States
Iowa
Iowa expanded Medicaid through its Health and Wellness Plan. Check charity care eligibility at University of Iowa Hospitals and MercyOne — income limits and how to apply.
Kansas
Kansas hospitals like University of Kansas Health System and Ascension Via Christi offer charity care. No Medicaid expansion — check eligibility and how to apply.
Kentucky
Kentucky's Kynect Medicaid drastically cut the uninsured rate. Check charity care eligibility at UK HealthCare and Norton Healthcare — income limits and how to apply.
Louisiana
Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, covering 500,000+ residents. Check charity care eligibility at Ochsner Health and Our Lady of the Lake — income limits and how to apply.