Care New England Financial Assistance: Free Care at 200% FPL + RI Medical Debt Protections (2026 Guide)
Care New England is the second-largest hospital system in Rhode Island, operating Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, Butler Hospital, and the VNA of Care New England. Rhode Island state law requires all hospitals to provide 100% free care to patients at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, and Care New England extends partial discounts on a sliding scale up to 300% FPL. Starting January 1, 2026, Rhode Island also bans medical debt from credit reports, caps interest on medical debt, and prohibits wage garnishment for medical bills.
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Quick Eligibility Facts
100% Free Care (RI Law)
Patients at 0-200% FPL receive completely free care. This is mandated by Rhode Island state law, not just hospital policy. For a single person, that is up to $31,920/year.
Sliding Scale to 300% FPL
Patients from 201-300% FPL qualify for partial discounts. Also required by RI law, with the specific sliding scale set by each hospital system.
4 Facilities, One Policy
Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, Butler Hospital, and VNA of Care New England all follow the same financial assistance policy.
RI Credit Report Ban (2026)
Starting January 1, 2026, Rhode Island bans medical debt from credit reports, caps interest, and prohibits wage garnishment for medical bills.
Applications in 10 Languages
Care New England provides financial assistance applications and plain language summaries in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Italian, Khmer, Portuguese, Arabic, Laotian, and Russian. Rhode Island has a significant Portuguese-speaking and Southeast Asian population, and CNE is one of the few systems that offers Khmer and Laotian translations.
Who Qualifies (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 |
| 201-250% FPL | Up to $39,900/yr | Up to $82,500/yr | Significant partial discount |
| 251-300% FPL | Up to $47,880/yr | Up to $99,000/yr | Partial sliding-scale 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
- All household members' income is counted together
Asset Protection Threshold
Care New England also considers assets when determining eligibility. However, if you qualify based on income (under 300% FPL) but exceed the asset threshold, the policy still provides the highest available sliding-scale discount. Your maximum liability is capped at the lesser of your assets above the threshold or the maximum cap set by Rhode Island and federal regulations. This is an important nuance that many applicants miss.
Rhode Island Medical Debt Protections (2026)
Rhode Island has enacted some of the strongest medical debt protections in the country. These apply to all medical providers in the state, not just Care New England.
Credit Report Ban (Effective January 1, 2026)
- Consumer reporting agencies may not include medical debt on Rhode Island consumers' credit files
- Furnishers (hospitals, collection agencies) are barred from supplying medical debt data to credit bureaus
- This applies even if your bill has already gone to collections
- Protection does not apply if you voluntarily transfer the balance to a personal credit card
Interest and Collection Limits
- Interest on medical debt is capped between 1.5% and 4% per year (tied to Treasury yield)
- Wage garnishment for medical debt is prohibited
- Liens on your primary residence for medical debt are prohibited
- These protections apply to medical debt incurred after June 26, 2025
RI Charity Care Law (Existing)
- All Rhode Island hospitals must provide 100% free care to patients at or below 200% FPL
- All RI hospitals must provide partial charity care on a sliding scale from 200-300% FPL
- This is state law (216-RICR-40-10-23), not optional hospital policy
- Hospitals must inform eligible patients about charity care and help them apply
Learn more about your rights: Rhode Island Medical Bill Rights
Struggling with a Care New England Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings, and negotiate with Care New England on your behalf. No upfront cost. We understand Rhode Island's charity care laws and the CNE financial assistance program.
Get Help with Your BillCovered Facilities
Women & Infants Hospital
The largest obstetric facility in Rhode Island and a national leader in women's health, neonatal intensive care, and reproductive medicine. Located at 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905.
Financial counselors available: (401) 274-1100 ext. 47700
Kent Hospital
A 359-bed acute care community hospital and the primary hospital for central Rhode Island. Located at 455 Toll Gate Road, Warwick, RI 02886.
Main line: (401) 737-7000
Butler Hospital
A nationally recognized psychiatric and behavioral health hospital, and one of the few freestanding psychiatric facilities in New England. Located at 345 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI 02906.
Patient Financial Services: (401) 455-6240
VNA of Care New England and Care New England Medical Group
The Visiting Nurse Association provides home health services, hospice, and community-based care. The Care New England Medical Group (CNEMG) includes employed physicians and clinicians across the system.
VNA has its own financial assistance policy exhibits. Contact: (401) 737-6050
The same 200% FPL free care and 300% FPL sliding-scale thresholds apply at all facilities listed above.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care for income at or below 200% FPL. For a family of 4, that means household income up to $66,000/year. Partial discounts are available from 201-300% FPL (up to $99,000 for a family of 4). Both insured and uninsured patients may apply.
Contact Patient Financial Services
Call (401) 921-7200 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to request an application. You can also ask for one in person at any Care New England hospital registration desk or financial counselor office. Butler Hospital patients can also call (401) 455-6240 directly.
Choose the Right Application
Care New England has separate application tracks for uninsured and underinsured patients. If you have insurance but face high out-of-pocket costs, use the underinsured application. The underinsured track requires additional documentation (such as explanation of benefits and insurance card). Ask the financial counselor which form applies to your situation.
Gather Your Documents
You will need:
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, benefit letters, or unemployment documentation)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Rhode Island residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
- Insurance card and Explanation of Benefits (if underinsured)
- Documentation of household size
- Bank statements (may be requested to verify assets)
Submit and Follow Up
Submit your completed application with all documentation. Call (401) 921-7200 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. You have at least 240 days from your first billing statement to apply under federal law.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Using the wrong application form: CNE has separate forms for uninsured and underinsured patients. Using the wrong one will delay your case.
- Missing the asset documentation: CNE considers assets in addition to income. Provide bank statements proactively to avoid a second request.
- Forgetting about the VNA: Home health visits from the VNA of Care New England are also eligible for financial assistance under a related policy.
- Not asking for language assistance: Applications are available in 10 languages. If English is not your first language, request your preferred language.
- Putting bills on a credit card: Rhode Island's credit report protection does not apply once you transfer the balance to a personal credit card.
- Waiting too long: Apply as soon as you receive a bill. You have 240 days, but earlier applications are processed faster.
What Services Are Covered
Typically Covered
- Emergency room visits
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Surgical procedures
- Outpatient services and testing
- Maternity and delivery (Women & Infants)
- NICU stays (Women & Infants)
- Psychiatric inpatient care (Butler)
- Substance use treatment (Butler)
- Cancer treatment (Kent)
- Home health visits (VNA)
May Not Be Covered
- Cosmetic procedures
- Services from non-CNE providers
- Independent physician groups not employed by CNEMG
- Services not deemed medically necessary
- Pharmacy charges (separate programs may exist)
Important: If you delivered at Women & Infants Hospital, the OB/GYN and anesthesiologist may bill separately if they are not employed by CNEMG. Always verify which providers are covered under the CNE financial assistance policy. Your pediatrician or neonatologist bills may also come from a separate practice.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Request a Written Explanation
Ask Care New England for a written explanation of why your application was denied. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, income above 300% FPL, or assets exceeding the protection threshold.
2. Appeal the Decision
You can reapply with additional documentation or submit an appeal if you believe the decision was made in error. Provide context about recent job loss, medical hardship, or changes in household circumstances. CNE's Compliance Department can be reached at (401) 277-3660.
3. File a Complaint with RI Department of Health
Rhode Island's Department of Health oversees hospital charity care compliance. If you believe Care New England is not following state charity care requirements (such as denying free care to someone under 200% FPL), you can file a complaint.
- RI Dept. of Health: (401) 222-5960
- Website: health.ri.gov
4. Explore Other Options
- Rhode Island Medicaid: Covers residents up to 138% FPL. Apply through HealthSource RI or call (401) 462-5300.
- Payment plans: Ask about interest-free installment options. Under RI law, interest on medical debt is capped at 1.5-4%.
- Request an itemized bill: Review every charge for errors or services not received.
- Dollar For: A nonprofit that helps patients apply retroactively for hospital charity care, including at Care New England facilities.
- RI Free Clinic: If you need ongoing care but are uninsured, Rhode Island has community health centers that provide services on a sliding scale.
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Care New England bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
CNE Patient Financial Services
Weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Butler Hospital Financial Services
Weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
CNE Compliance Department
For appeals and policy questions
RI Department of Health
Hospital charity care complaints
Online Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Care New England financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL qualify for 100% free care. This is required by Rhode Island state law. Patients between 201-300% FPL qualify for partial discounts on a sliding scale. Both uninsured and underinsured patients can apply. For a family of four, free care covers income up to $66,000, and discounts extend to $99,000.
How do I apply?
Call Patient Financial Services at (401) 921-7200 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to request an application. CNE has separate forms for uninsured and underinsured patients. Applications are available in 10 languages. You can also request one in person at any Care New England facility.
Is Butler Hospital psychiatric care covered?
Yes. Butler Hospital is part of Care New England and follows the same financial assistance policy. Inpatient psychiatric stays, substance use treatment, outpatient behavioral health, and all other medically necessary services at Butler are eligible. This is an important detail because psychiatric care bills can be substantial, and many patients do not realize charity care applies to behavioral health.
Can I apply after I already paid my bill?
Yes. You can apply retroactively. If you were eligible at the time of service, the hospital may owe you a refund of the discounted portion. Federal law requires nonprofits to accept applications for at least 240 days after the first billing statement. Organizations like Dollar For specialize in helping patients apply retroactively.
Can a Care New England bill hurt my credit score?
Starting January 1, 2026, Rhode Island law bans medical debt from appearing on consumer credit reports. Debt collectors are also prohibited from garnishing your wages or placing liens on your primary residence for medical debt. However, if you voluntarily place the balance on a personal credit card, that protection no longer applies to the credit card balance.
I had a baby at Women & Infants. Which bills are covered?
Hospital facility charges from Women & Infants are covered under the CNE financial assistance policy. However, your OB/GYN, anesthesiologist, and neonatologist may bill separately if they are independent practitioners rather than CNEMG employees. Always verify which providers are covered. You may need to contact each billing office separately to request financial assistance for non-CNE provider charges.
Does the VNA of Care New England offer financial assistance?
Yes. The VNA of Care New England has its own financial assistance policy exhibits that follow the same general framework as the hospital policy. If you are receiving home health visits, hospice care, or other VNA services, ask about financial assistance eligibility. Contact the VNA at (401) 737-6050.
What if I am denied? Where can I get help?
If denied, request a written explanation and consider appealing with additional documentation through CNE Compliance at (401) 277-3660. You can also file a complaint with the Rhode Island Department of Health at (401) 222-5960 if you believe the hospital is not following state charity care law. Dollar For (dollarfor.org) is a free nonprofit that assists patients with charity care applications.
Need Help with a Care New England Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense reviews your medical bills, identifies errors and overcharges, and negotiates directly with Care New England. We know Rhode Island charity care law and the CNE financial assistance program. No upfront cost.
Start Your Free Bill ReviewThis page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available Care New England financial assistance policies, Rhode Island state regulations (216-RICR-40-10-23), and federal 501(r) requirements. Policy details, income thresholds, and contact information may change. Always verify current eligibility requirements directly with Care New England Patient Financial Services at (401) 921-7200 or visit carenewengland.org. Last reviewed: May 2026.