Health Insurance & Medical Costs · Surprise rank #1
Get Your NY Hospital Bill Wiped Out!
New York hospitals must fully waive covered hospital charges below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. In 2026 that is below $31,920 for one person or $66,000 for a family of four. From 200% through 400%, required discounts still apply, and hospitals are prohibited from suing patients below 400% of the poverty guideline.
Who
New York hospital patients who meet the financial-assistance rules. In 2026, full waiver starts below $31,920 for one person or $66,000 for a family of four; discounted care extends through $63,840 for one person or $132,000 for a family of four.
What to do
Start here: Ask the hospital billing office for the New York State Uniform Hospital Financial Assistance Application and submit it even if the bill is in collections.
Eligibility: The income thresholds depend on household size. Apply with the New York Uniform Hospital Financial Assistance Application. Separate physician, ambulance, radiology or anesthesia bills may not be part of the hospital bill.
What you get
Below 200% of the 2026 poverty guideline, covered hospital charges must be waived. At higher qualifying incomes, uninsured patients receive sliding-scale charges capped at 10% of the Medicaid amount from 200%–300% and 20% from 301%–400%.
Benefit: A $0 covered hospital bill below 200% of the poverty guideline; steeply reduced hospital charges through 400%; and protection from hospital collection lawsuits below 400%.
Possible value: Potentially the entire covered hospital bill, or thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
Good to know
Important: You must apply. The full $0 rule is for people below 200% of the poverty guideline; higher-income tiers receive discounts rather than automatic full forgiveness.
Availability: Year-round; apply as soon as a bill arrives.
Why people miss it: Patients assume charity care is only for the uninsured or extremely poor, and separate physician bills blur what is covered.
Sources reviewed: Aug 9, 2026