Charity care in New Jersey: who gets free or discounted care
New Jersey has a law that requires hospitals to give free or discounted care to people with income up to 500% of the federal poverty level (the exact level depends on the hospital and your situation).
Charity care means free or discounted care for people with low income. Hospitals also call it financial assistance.
Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.
What the law says in New Jersey
| Income (% of poverty level) | What you get | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 200% | Free care | If your family income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and you meet the asset limits, necessary hospital care is free. All covered hospitals |
| 200% to 300% | Discount | If your family income is above 200% and up to 300% of the poverty level, you pay part of the hospital's charges: 20% (above 200% to 225%), 40% (above 225% to 250%), 60% (above 250% to 275%) or 80% (above 275% to 300%). If your medical expenses are more than 30% of your family's yearly gross income, the amount above that is fully covered. All covered hospitals |
| 300% to 500% | Discount | If you are an uninsured New Jersey resident and your family gross income is less than 500% of the poverty level, a licensed hospital may charge you no more than 115% of what Medicare would pay for the care. All hospitals licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health (uninsured New Jersey residents only) |
These are the income levels written in the law. Each hospital decides using its own policy.
- The law
New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (Charity Care)
- Which hospitals
All acute care hospitals in New Jersey. A separate law caps what any licensed hospital may charge uninsured New Jersey residents with lower incomes.
- Who can get help
New Jersey residents who have no health coverage or coverage that pays only part of the bill, who are not eligible for Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare or another program, and who meet the income and asset limits. People who live outside New Jersey may apply only for emergency care that could not reasonably be given elsewhere.
- The most you can be charged
Uninsured New Jersey residents with family gross income below 500% of the poverty level may be charged no more than 115% of the Medicare rate for the care. If you qualify for reduced-charge charity care, you pay only the percentage of charges set by the income table.
- Savings and other assets
Allowed. On the date of service, your assets may be no more than $7,500 (individual) and $15,000 (family). Assets include cash, bank accounts, stocks, IRAs and real estate other than your home. If your assets are over the limit, you can apply the extra toward your hospital bill or other medical expenses and then qualify.
- Who counts as your family
For an adult: you, your spouse, minor children you support and adults you are legally responsible for. For a minor: both parents, a parent's spouse, minor siblings and adults the parents are legally responsible for. A pregnant woman counts as two.
Law: N.J.A.C. 10:52-11.5 to 11.14; N.J.S.A. 26:2H-12.52
How to apply in New Jersey
- Deadline to apply
You can apply up to one year from the date of outpatient service or inpatient discharge, and send more documents during that year. A hospital may accept an application up to two years after service or discharge. The hospital must decide in writing within 10 working days of a complete application.
- Applying for coverage first
The hospital must screen you for Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare and other coverage before charity care, and charity care is the payer of last resort. If you refuse screening or do not finish a Medicaid application within three months of service, the hospital may bill you. If the county or Medicaid office does not answer within seven months of a complete application, the hospital must approve charity care if you meet the other rules. If the hospital did not give you the required notice or refer you within three months of service, it may not bill you for that care.
- Notice you must get
Every patient must get a written notice about charity care and Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare at the time of service and no later than the first bill. Hospitals must post signs in the admissions area, business office, outpatient clinics and emergency room, in English, Spanish and any language spoken by 10% or more of people in the hospital's service area.
- If you disagree
If you are denied in whole or part, the hospital must give you a written, dated statement of the reasons. You may reapply for future care if your finances change. Questions about the program can go to the New Jersey Department of Health Charity Care unit.
- Other providers
Charity care covers hospital charges only. Private doctor fees, anesthesiology, radiology readings and outpatient prescriptions are separate and may not be reduced.
Law: N.J.A.C. 10:52-11.5 to 11.14; N.J.S.A. 26:2H-12.52
Check your income level
Find out what percent of the federal poverty level your household income is, and compare it with the income levels in New Jersey law.
Free tools, letters and checklist
Where to complain in New Jersey
- Hospital bills and financial assistance: New Jersey Department of Health, Charity Care Unit · 1-866-588-5696
Questions or concerns about charity care, how a hospital applied the rules, or your application. - Attorney general: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (Office of the Attorney General)
A provider or debt collector broke the Medical Debt Relief Act (credit reporting, waiting periods, interest, garnishment) or other consumer laws. - Health insurance: New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Consumer Inquiry and Response Center · 1-800-446-7467
Problems with a state-regulated health plan, including surprise out-of-network bills.
Questions about medical bills in New Jersey
Does New Jersey require hospitals to give free or discounted care?
New Jersey has a law that requires hospitals to give free or discounted care to people with income up to 500% of the federal poverty level (the exact level depends on the hospital and your situation).
Who counts as family for charity care in New Jersey?
For an adult: you, your spouse, minor children you support and adults you are legally responsible for. For a minor: both parents, a parent's spouse, minor siblings and adults the parents are legally responsible for.