Brown University Health Financial Assistance: Free Care at 200% FPL + Discounts to 300% FPL (2026 Guide)
Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan) is Rhode Island's largest health system, operating Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Bradley Hospital, Newport Hospital, and Hasbro Children's Hospital. Their financial assistance program offers 100% free care for patients at or below 200% FPL and sliding-scale discounts up to 300% FPL. Rhode Island law mandates the 200% FPL free care floor for all hospitals in the state. Starting January 1, 2026, Rhode Island also bans medical debt from credit reports and prohibits wage garnishment for medical debt.
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Quick Eligibility Facts
100% Free Care (0-200% FPL)
Rhode Island law requires all hospitals to provide completely free care to patients at or below 200% FPL. This is the state minimum, and Brown University Health follows it.
Sliding Scale Discounts (201-300% FPL)
Partial discounts for patients between 201-300% FPL. Rhode Island law requires hospitals to offer some discount in this range, with each hospital setting its own scale.
Presumptive Eligibility
Brown University Health may automatically approve you using public records data, even without a formal application. If your data indicates eligibility, you could receive a discount without paperwork.
RI Medical Debt Protection (2026)
Starting January 1, 2026, Rhode Island bans medical debt from credit reports. Wage garnishment for medical debt is also prohibited.
One Application Covers All Facilities
A single financial assistance application covers Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children's Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Bradley Hospital, Newport Hospital, and Saint Anne's Hospital. You do not need to file separate applications for each hospital.
Eligibility Calculator (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Single Person | Family of 4 | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | Up to ~$66,000/yr | 100% Free Care |
| 201-300% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$47,880/yr | ~$66,001 - ~$99,000/yr | Sliding-scale partial discount |
| Above 300% FPL | Above ~$47,880/yr | Above ~$99,000/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
What Counts as Income
- Wages, salaries, and tips from employment
- Self-employment income
- Social Security, pension, and retirement income
- Unemployment compensation
- Alimony and child support received
- Interest, dividends, and investment income
- Veteran's benefits
- All household members' income is counted together
Rhode Island Medical Debt Protections (2026)
Rhode Island enacted strong medical debt protections in 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, these protections apply to all patients in the state, regardless of income level.
What This Means for You
- Medical debt cannot appear on your credit report in Rhode Island
- Debt collectors cannot garnish your wages for medical debt
- No liens on your primary residence for medical debt
- Interest on medical debt is capped (between 1.5% and 4% per year)
- These protections apply even if your bill goes to collections
Practical Impact
You should still apply for financial assistance and communicate with the billing office. However, you can take the time to apply properly rather than rushing to pay a bill you cannot afford. An unpaid Brown University Health bill will not damage your credit while you work through the process.
Learn more about your rights: Rhode Island Medical Bill Rights
Struggling with a Brown University Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings, and negotiate with Brown University Health on your behalf. No upfront cost. We understand Rhode Island's patient protection laws and the Brown University Health financial assistance program inside and out.
Get Help with Your BillCovered Facilities
Rhode Island Hospital (Flagship)
The largest hospital in Rhode Island and the primary teaching hospital for Brown University. Located at 593 Eddy Street, Providence. Includes:
Other System Hospitals
Major teaching hospital known for cardiac care, oncology, and surgical specialties
The nation's first psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents
Community hospital serving Aquidneck Island and surrounding areas
Acquired in 2024 from Steward Health Care, now part of the Brown University Health system
Important: Physician Bills May Be Separate
The financial assistance policy covers hospital-billed services. Some physicians who treat you at Brown University Health hospitals may bill separately through their own practice. If you receive a separate physician bill, ask that provider about their own financial assistance options. Brown University affiliated physicians often have their own charity care programs.
Documents You Will Need
Required for Everyone
- Most recent federal income tax return (Form 1040)
- Last two consecutive pay stubs
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
Additional Documentation (If Applicable)
- W-2 forms from all employers
- Savings and checking account statements
- Proof of any government benefits (Social Security, disability, veteran's benefits)
- Denial letters from Medicaid or HealthSource RI
- Proof of Rhode Island residency (utility bill, rental agreement, or phone bill) if your photo ID does not show an RI address
- Unemployment compensation documentation
- Self-employment income records
Pro tip: Not every document is required for every applicant. Provide everything that applies to your situation. If you are unemployed with no tax return, explain your situation in writing. The hospital cannot deny your application solely because you lack one specific document.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Get the Application
Call Patient Financial Services at 401-444-6966 (Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM) to have an application mailed to you. You can also download it from brownhealth.org/patients-visitors/insurance-billing-and-financial-assistance/financial-assistance. Applications are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Khmer.
Complete the Application
Fill out all sections that apply to you. Include household size, income sources, employment status, and insurance information. If any section does not apply, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank.
Attach Supporting Documents
Include copies (not originals) of your tax return, pay stubs, photo ID, and any other applicable documents listed above. Missing documents will delay processing.
Submit by Mail or In Person
Mail to: Rhode Island Hospital, ATTN: Patient Advocate APC, Basement/HIS Dept., 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903. You can also deliver it in person at the Admitting-Patient Advocate Office at Rhode Island Hospital.
Follow Up Within 14 Days
Applications are typically processed within 14 days of receipt. Call 401-444-6966 to confirm they received your application and check the status. If you have not heard back after two weeks, call again and ask for a supervisor.
Critical Deadlines
- You have 240 days from your first post-discharge billing statement to submit a financial assistance application
- Brown University Health cannot begin extraordinary collection actions (lawsuits, wage garnishment, credit reporting) until at least 120 days after your first bill
- They must give you 21 days written notice before starting any collection action
- You can apply retroactively for bills you have already received, as long as you are within the 240-day window
Insider Tips Most Patients Miss
Apply even if you have insurance
Underinsured patients with high deductibles or copays can qualify. The financial assistance program covers the patient responsibility portion after insurance pays. Many insured patients do not realize they are eligible.
Presumptive eligibility can work in your favor
Brown University Health uses public records analytics to screen patients for eligibility. If their data shows you likely qualify, you may receive an automatic discount without even applying. However, always submit a formal application to lock in the maximum benefit.
Ask about the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) cap
Even if you do not qualify for financial assistance, federal law (Section 501(r)) requires Brown University Health to cap your bill at the amount generally billed to insured patients. This means uninsured patients cannot be charged the full chargemaster rate.
Apply for Medicaid first (or at the same time)
If you might qualify for Rhode Island Medicaid (through HealthSource RI), apply for that too. A Medicaid denial letter actually strengthens your financial assistance application because it proves you explored all options.
Rhode Island residents get extra protection
RI law specifically requires hospitals to provide free care at 200% FPL and some discount up to 300% FPL. This is a legal mandate, not hospital charity. If you are a Rhode Island resident and meet the income requirements, the hospital must approve your application.
Saint Anne's Hospital patients: check both RI and MA rules
Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River is now part of Brown University Health but is located in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has its own financial assistance requirements. If you were treated at Saint Anne's, ask which state's rules provide the better benefit for your situation.
Keep copies of everything you submit
Make photocopies of your completed application and all supporting documents before mailing them. If the hospital claims they did not receive your application, you will have proof of what was sent and when.
Do not ignore collection notices while your application is pending
If you receive a collection notice after submitting your application, call 401-444-6966 immediately and reference your pending application. Billing and financial assistance departments do not always communicate in real time.
Contact Information
Patient Financial Services
401-444-6966 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM - 5 PM)
Patient Advocate (Rhode Island Hospital)
401-444-7850
Website
brownhealth.org/patients-visitors/insurance-billing-and-financial-assistance/financial-assistance
Mail Applications To
Rhode Island Hospital, ATTN: Patient Advocate APC, Basement/HIS Dept., 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903
HealthSource RI (Medicaid/Insurance)
healthsourceri.com | 1-855-840-4774
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brown University Health the same as Lifespan?
Yes. Lifespan Corporation rebranded as Brown University Health in October 2024 following an expanded affiliation with Brown University. All hospitals, billing systems, and financial assistance policies remain the same. If you have old paperwork referencing "Lifespan," it is still valid.
I already paid my bill. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply retroactively as long as you are within the 240-day window from your first billing statement. If approved, you may receive a refund for the amount covered by financial assistance.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify?
No. Brown University Health financial assistance is available regardless of immigration status. The program is based on income and household size, not citizenship. Rhode Island law requires hospitals to provide charity care to all eligible patients.
What if I was treated at the emergency room?
Emergency services are fully covered under the financial assistance program. Federal law (EMTALA) requires hospitals to treat you regardless of ability to pay, and financial assistance applies retroactively to emergency visits.
Does financial assistance cover outpatient visits?
The policy covers emergency and medically necessary services billed by Brown University Health facilities. This can include both inpatient and outpatient services. Elective or cosmetic procedures are generally not covered.
What if I am denied?
Ask for a written explanation of the denial. You have the right to appeal. If you believe the denial was incorrect, contact the Rhode Island Department of Health at 401-222-5960, which oversees hospital charity care compliance. You can also contact Dollar For (dollarfor.org), a nonprofit that helps patients navigate charity care applications for free.
How long does the approval last?
Financial assistance approval typically covers a specific date of service or billing period. If you have ongoing medical needs, you may need to reapply for future visits. Ask Patient Financial Services about the duration of your approval.
Can I set up a payment plan instead?
Yes. Even if you do not qualify for financial assistance, Brown University Health offers interest-free payment plans. Call 401-444-6966 to discuss payment options. You can also apply for financial assistance and set up a payment plan simultaneously as a backup.
Need Help with a Brown University Health Bill?
CareRoute can review your bill, check for errors, and help you apply for financial assistance at Brown University Health. Our team knows Rhode Island's charity care laws and can often find savings that patients miss on their own.
Get a Free Bill ReviewThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Financial assistance eligibility is determined by Brown University Health based on their current policies. Information was gathered from publicly available Brown University Health financial assistance documents, Rhode Island state law, and federal regulations. Policies may change. Always verify current requirements by contacting Brown University Health Patient Financial Services at 401-444-6966 or visiting brownhealth.org.