North Dakota Hospital Charity Care & Financial Assistance Guide
Discover how to qualify for charity care and financial assistance programs at North Dakota 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 North Dakota
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 |
North Dakota Charity Care Income Limits
Hospitals in North Dakota 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: North Dakota Hospital Financial Assistance Laws
North Dakota does not have specific state charity care legislation. Non-profit hospitals must comply with federal 501(r) requirements. North Dakota expanded Medicaid under the ACA, providing coverage to low-income adults.
- North Dakota expanded Medicaid under the ACA, covering adults up to 138% FPL
- Non-profit hospitals must have financial assistance policies under federal 501(r) rules
- Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius are the major hospital systems in the state
- Patients should check Medicaid expansion eligibility before applying for hospital charity care
Information verified: January 28, 2026
Hospitals in North Dakota with Financial Assistance Programs
All non-profit hospitals in North Dakota are required to offer financial assistance under federal law. Here are some of the major hospitals with assistance programs.
Fargo, ND
Bismarck, ND
View financial assistance program →Grand Forks, ND
View financial assistance program →How to Apply for Hospital Charity Care in North Dakota
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
Ohio
Ohio expanded Medicaid, covering adults up to 138% FPL. Check charity care eligibility at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State Wexner, and UH Cleveland — how to apply.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma expanded Medicaid in 2021 via SoonerCare. Check charity care eligibility at OU Health and INTEGRIS — income limits, programs, and how to apply.
Oregon
Oregon law requires hospitals to offer financial assistance and limit charges. Oregon Health Plan covers low-income residents. Check eligibility at OHSU and Providence — how to apply.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania hospitals like Penn Medicine and UPMC offer charity care programs. Expanded Medicaid covers adults up to 138% FPL — check eligibility, income limits, and how to apply.