Pennsylvania Hospital Charity Care & Financial Assistance Guide
Discover how to qualify for charity care and financial assistance programs at Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
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 |
Pennsylvania Charity Care Income Limits
Hospitals in Pennsylvania 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: Pennsylvania Hospital Financial Assistance Laws
Pennsylvania does not have specific state charity care legislation. Non-profit hospitals must comply with federal 501(r) requirements. Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the ACA, and the state has a large number of major hospital systems that offer financial assistance programs.
- Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the ACA, covering adults up to 138% FPL
- Non-profit hospitals must have financial assistance policies under federal 501(r) rules
- Pennsylvania has many world-class hospital systems including Penn Medicine and UPMC
- Patients should check Medical Assistance (Medicaid) eligibility before applying for hospital charity care
Information verified: January 28, 2026
Hospitals in Pennsylvania with Financial Assistance Programs
All non-profit hospitals in Pennsylvania are required to offer financial assistance under federal law. Here are some of the major hospitals with assistance programs.
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Hershey, PA
View financial assistance program →How to Apply for Hospital Charity Care in Pennsylvania
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
Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires charity care as a hospital licensing condition. Expanded Medicaid via RIte Care. Check eligibility at Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam — how to apply.
South Carolina
South Carolina hospitals like MUSC Health and Prisma Health offer charity care. No Medicaid expansion — check eligibility for free or reduced bills and how to apply.
South Dakota
South Dakota expanded Medicaid in 2023. Check charity care eligibility at Sanford Health and Avera Health — income limits, financial assistance programs, and how to apply.
Tennessee
Tennessee hospitals like Vanderbilt and HCA Healthcare offer charity care. No Medicaid expansion — check TennCare eligibility, income limits, and how to apply.