Boston Children's Hospital Financial Assistance: Free and Discounted Care Up to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Boston Children's Hospital provides financial assistance to families who need help paying for emergency and medically necessary pediatric care. If your combined household income falls at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level and you are a legal resident of one of seven eligible states, you may qualify for free or discounted care. The hospital also connects families with the Massachusetts Health Safety Net, MassHealth, and ConnectorCare programs.
Quick Facts
Income Threshold
Families at or below 400% FPL may qualify. Free care available for the lowest income tiers, with sliding scale discounts for higher incomes within the threshold.
Geographic Eligibility
Legal residents of MA, CT, ME, NH, RI, VT, and NY (excluding NYC metro area).
Services Covered
Emergency care and medically necessary services at Boston Children's Hospital and affiliated locations.
Public Programs Help
Financial counselors assist with MassHealth, Health Safety Net, and ConnectorCare applications at no cost to you.
Billing Protection
No person eligible for financial assistance will be charged more for emergency or medically necessary care than amounts generally billed to individuals who have insurance covering such care.
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Get Help with Your BillEligibility and Income Limits
Boston Children's Hospital offers a tiered financial assistance program. Families with the lowest incomes qualify for free care (100% write-off), while those with higher incomes (up to 400% FPL) receive discounted care on a sliding scale. The exact discount percentage depends on your income level relative to the Federal Poverty Level.
| Income Level (FPL) | Family of 4 Income | Assistance Level |
|---|---|---|
| At or below 200% FPL | Up to ~$66,000/yr | Free Care (100% discount) |
| 201% to 300% FPL | ~$66,001 to ~$99,000/yr | Significant Discount |
| 301% to 400% FPL | ~$99,001 to ~$132,000/yr | Partial Discount |
Income thresholds are approximate and based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Exact discount percentages may vary. Contact a financial counselor for your specific situation.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a legal resident of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, or New York (excluding NYC metro).
- Both insured and uninsured patients may be eligible for assistance.
- You may be asked to apply for public programs (MassHealth, Health Safety Net, ConnectorCare) before receiving hospital-based financial assistance.
- Financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary services only.
- Combined family income includes income from both the patient's family and the guarantor.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- W-2 forms
- Social Security or disability benefit statements
- Unemployment compensation documentation
- Self-employment income records
Other Documentation
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance card (if insured)
- MassHealth or Health Safety Net denial letter (if applicable)
- Household size documentation
- Bank statements (may be requested)
Need help gathering documents? Boston Children's Patient Financial Counselors at 617-355-7201 can guide you through the documentation process. They are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Review the income limits above. If your combined family/guarantor income is at or below 400% FPL and you live in an eligible state, you likely qualify for some level of assistance.
Contact Patient Financial Counseling
Call 617-355-7201 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET) to schedule a financial counseling appointment. You can also reach out through your MyChart patient portal or call Customer Support at 617-355-3397.
Complete the Financial Assistance Application
Fill out the application form provided by Patient Financial Services. You can obtain the form by calling, visiting in person at 300 Longwood Avenue (Farley Building, Room 165), or downloading from the hospital website.
Gather and Submit Documentation
Collect the required income and residency documents listed above. Submit your completed application and documentation by mail or in person at the Patient Financial Services Center.
Apply for Public Programs (If Applicable)
Financial counselors will help you determine if you qualify for MassHealth, ConnectorCare, or the Massachusetts Health Safety Net. You may need to apply for these programs as a condition of receiving hospital financial assistance.
Receive Determination
Boston Children's will review your application and notify you of the decision. If approved, your account will be adjusted accordingly. If denied, you can appeal or explore other options.
Application Timeline
You can apply for financial assistance before or after receiving services. If you already have a bill, do not ignore it. Call 617-355-7201 as soon as possible to discuss your options. Retroactive applications are accepted for eligible services.
Massachusetts Health Safety Net
The Massachusetts Health Safety Net (HSN) is a state program that helps pay for medically necessary services at acute care hospitals and community health centers for eligible Massachusetts residents. Boston Children's financial counselors will help you apply for HSN if you are potentially eligible.
HSN Full Coverage
Massachusetts residents at or below 150% FPL who are uninsured or underinsured may qualify for full HSN coverage with no deductible.
HSN Partial Coverage
Residents between 150% and 300% FPL may qualify for partial HSN coverage with a deductible based on income.
If you qualify for HSN, it may cover your Boston Children's bills directly. The hospital's own financial assistance policy provides additional coverage beyond what HSN offers, ensuring that families up to 400% FPL receive some level of assistance.
Tips for Boston Children's Hospital Specifically
Apply early, even before treatment
If you know your child needs upcoming care, contact financial counseling before the appointment. This can prevent bills from going to collections and reduce stress during treatment.
Use MyChart for communication
Boston Children's MyChart portal allows you to message financial counselors, view bills, and track your application status online. This is often faster than calling during business hours.
Ask about physician billing separately
Some physicians at Boston Children's bill through affiliated Physician Foundations. Make sure to ask if your financial assistance covers both hospital and physician charges, or if you need to apply separately.
Do not ignore bills while waiting
If you have applied for financial assistance, call 617-355-3397 to let them know. Ask for your account to be placed on hold while the application is processed. This prevents collection activity.
Request an itemized bill
Before applying, request a detailed itemized statement. Review it for duplicate charges or errors. This can sometimes reduce your balance even before financial assistance is applied.
Explore disease-specific programs
Boston Children's Financial Navigator program connects families with disease-specific foundations and grants. Ask your care team or financial counselor about resources specific to your child's condition.
Contact Information
Patient Financial Counseling
Customer Support and Billing
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Boston Children's financial assistance?
Families with combined household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level who are legal residents of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, or New York (excluding the NYC metropolitan area). Free care is available for the lowest income tiers, with discounted care on a sliding scale up to 400% FPL.
What is the difference between hospital financial assistance and the Health Safety Net?
The Massachusetts Health Safety Net is a state-funded program for uninsured or underinsured residents below 300% FPL. Boston Children's own financial assistance policy extends beyond HSN, covering families up to 400% FPL and residents of additional states. Your financial counselor will help determine which program best fits your situation.
Can I apply after I already received a bill?
Yes. You can apply for financial assistance retroactively. Contact Patient Financial Counseling at 617-355-7201 as soon as possible. Ask them to place your account on hold while your application is processed to prevent collection activity.
Does financial assistance cover insured patients?
Yes. If you have insurance but still face significant out-of-pocket costs (copays, deductibles, coinsurance), you may still qualify for financial assistance on your remaining patient responsibility. Contact financial counseling to discuss your specific situation.
What if I live outside the eligible states?
The standard policy requires residency in MA, CT, ME, NH, RI, VT, or NY (excluding NYC metro). If you traveled to Boston Children's for specialized care and live elsewhere, contact 617-355-7201 to discuss your options. Emergency care patients may have additional protections.
Does Boston Children's offer payment plans?
Yes. Even if you do not qualify for financial assistance, the hospital offers interest-free payment plans to help families manage their bills over time. Call Customer Support at 617-355-3397 to set up an arrangement.
Are there programs for specific conditions or diseases?
Yes. Boston Children's Financial Navigator program connects families with disease-specific foundations, grants, and charitable programs beyond standard financial assistance. Ask your care team or a financial counselor about resources related to your child's diagnosis.
Related Resources
Massachusetts Medical Bill Rights
Learn about your rights under Massachusetts law, including surprise billing protections and the Health Safety Net program.
Mass General Brigham Financial Assistance
Financial assistance guide for Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's, and the MGB network.
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Start Your Free Case ReviewThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available Boston Children's Hospital financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Boston Children's Hospital at 617-355-7201 or visit childrenshospital.org.