Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Healthy New Jersey
Overview
New Jersey Charity Care (Hospital Care Payment Assistance)
The New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (Charity Care) is available to patients for inpatient and outpatient services at all acute care hospitals throughout New Jersey. Medically necessary services at acute care hospitals may be eligible for a reduced cost for patients who meet income and asset criteria.
Charity Care is not health insurance; however subject to program eligibility, free or reduced charge care is available to patients, which can help cover the cost of hospital bills and reduce out-of-pocket patient expenses. Please note that services such as private physician fees, anesthesiology fees, radiology interpretation, and outpatient prescriptions are separate from hospital charges and may not be eligible for reduction.
Applications are available at all NJ acute care hospitals. Eligibility determination is done at the hospital where the medical service is provided when the completed application is submitted. Questions or concerns from the public and from hospitals regarding Charity Care, its implementation, and interpretation of program regulations and policy may be directed to Department staff within the Charity Care Unit. Please visit the Contact Us page for more information.
Who Is Eligible
Hospital care payment assistance is available to New Jersey residents who:
- Have no health coverage, or have coverage that pays only part of the bill
- Are not eligible for Medicaid or any other medical assistance program
- Meet the income and asset criteria below
Applicants must provide proof of New Jersey residency at the time of service. Assistance may also be available to non-New Jersey residents under specific conditions.
Income Guidelines
The amount you pay is based on your household income as a percentage of the federal poverty guidelines.
| Income (% of HHS Federal Poverty Income Guidelines) | Patient Share of Bill |
|---|---|
| 200% or below | 0% |
| 201% to 225% | 20% |
| 226% to 250% | 40% |
| 251% to 275% | 60% |
| 276% to 300% | 80% |
| Above 300% | 100% |
If your income falls between 200% and 300% of the federal poverty guidelines and your out-of-pocket medical expenses exceed 30% of your gross annual income, the amount above that threshold may qualify for assistance.
Asset Limits
To qualify, your assets must not exceed the following limits:
- Individual: $7,500
- Family: $15,000
If your assets exceed these limits, you may spend them down to the eligible amount by applying the excess toward your hospital bill or other approved out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Screening for Other Coverage
Before applying for Charity Care, all applicants must be screened by the hospital for potential eligibility for third-party insurance, Medicaid, or other medical assistance programs that could apply toward the hospital bill. You should only apply for Charity Care after being determined ineligible for those programs.
You are responsible for completing that screening in a timely manner. If the hospital informs you of other assistance programs or makes a referral on your behalf and you do not complete the screening promptly, the hospital may bill you and pursue collection regardless of your potential Charity Care eligibility.
How to Apply
Apply directly at the hospital where you received services, through the business office or admissions office. You will need to provide information about your income and assets along with supporting documentation.
The hospital will make a determination within 10 business days of receiving a complete application. If your application lacks adequate documentation, it may be denied, but you will have the opportunity to submit additional materials. You have up to one year from your date of service to apply.
If you are found ineligible, you may reapply in the future if your financial circumstances change.
Hospital Posting Requirements
Hospitals are required to post signs about Charity Care availability in English, Spanish, and any language spoken by 10% or more of the population in the hospital's service area. Signs must be posted in the admissions area, business office, outpatient clinic areas, and emergency room.
Every patient must receive written notice of the availability of hospital care payment assistance and medical assistance programs.