Not legal, medical or financial advice. This is a free, independent guide built from each hospital's own published policy. Policies change. The hospital's current policy and its decision on your application are what count. Always check the linked source.
2026 federal poverty guidelines (48 states and DC)
Hospital charity care policies set their income limits as a percent of the federal poverty guideline (FPL). For example, "free care up to 200% FPL" means a household of 4 with yearly income up to $66,000 qualifies on income. Hospitals may count income differently, so check the policy.
| Household | 100% | 200% | 250% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $64,920 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $81,960 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $77,360 | $96,700 | $116,040 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $88,720 | $110,900 | $133,080 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $100,080 | $125,100 | $150,120 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $111,440 | $139,300 | $167,160 | $222,880 |