Charity care in Ohio: who gets free or discounted care
Ohio has a law that requires hospitals to give free or discounted care to people with income up to 100% of the federal poverty level.
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 Ohio
| Income (% of poverty level) | What you get | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100% | Free care | If your family income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, the hospital must give you basic, medically necessary hospital-level services without charge. This covers inpatient and outpatient hospital services that Medicaid covers, except transplants. |
These are the income levels written in the law. Each hospital decides using its own policy.
- The law
Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP)
- Which hospitals
Every hospital that receives Hospital Care Assurance Program funds from the state.
- Who can get help
Ohio residents who are not on Medicaid and whose income is at or below the federal poverty level. The law does not limit it to uninsured patients; the hospital may bill any insurance or other third party first.
- Who counts as your family
Family means you, your spouse (even if not living with you) and your children under 18 who live with you. For a patient under 18: the patient, the parents (even if not living there) and the parents' children under 18 in the home.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 5168.14; Ohio Adm. Code 5160-2-17
How to apply in Ohio
- Deadline to apply
The hospital must accept applications for free care until three years after the date of the follow-up bill notice.
- Applying for coverage first
A hospital may require you to apply for Medicaid before it processes your application.
- Notice you must get
Hospitals must post notices in admissions, the business office and the emergency room, in English and other languages common in the area, and try to explain them to people who cannot read them. A hospital may bill you only if the first bill and at least the first follow-up bill include a written statement explaining free care for people at or below the poverty line, listing the poverty line by family size, and describing how charges are canceled if you qualify.
Law: Ohio Rev. Code 5168.14; Ohio Adm. Code 5160-2-17
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 Ohio law.
Free tools, letters and checklist
Where to complain in Ohio
- Health insurance: Ohio Department of Insurance, Consumer Services · 1-800-686-1526
Problems with a state-regulated health plan, including surprise bills and ambulance balance bills. - Attorney general: Ohio Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section
Complaints about debt collectors and other businesses. - Medicaid: Ohio Department of Medicaid Consumer Hotline · 1-800-324-8680
Questions about Medicaid enrollment or coverage.
Questions about medical bills in Ohio
Does Ohio require hospitals to give free or discounted care?
Ohio has a law that requires hospitals to give free or discounted care to people with income up to 100% of the federal poverty level.
Who counts as family for charity care in Ohio?
Family means you, your spouse (even if not living with you) and your children under 18 who live with you. For a patient under 18: the patient, the parents (even if not living there) and the parents' children under 18 in the home.