The law applies only to non-profit hospitals. For-profit hospitals are not included and public hospitals already are required to provide charity care. Under anti-dumping laws, all hospitals with emergency rooms must treat people who have emergency medical conditions, regardless of their ability to pay. Anyone can apply, but hospitals have a right to ask financial questions to determine eligibility. The eligibility criteria are set by the hospital within the limits of the law and are based on a patient's ability to pay.
Applicants are responsible for providing necessary financial information in a timely manner.
The application must be offered free of charge. Hospitals also offer this program in clinics and non-emergency hospital admissions. What if the hospital does not tell me about its charity care program and I find out later that it has one. You can request financial assistance at any point even after being billed by the hospital or a collection agency. Remember, a hospital is required to tell you about its charity care program and how to apply.