CharterCARE Health Financial Assistance (Charity Care): Complete 2026 Guide
CharterCARE Health Partners operates Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence. In March 2026, the system completed its return to nonprofit status under the Centurion Foundation after years under Prospect Medical Holdings (which filed for bankruptcy in January 2025). Rhode Island law mandates 100% free care for uninsured residents at or below 200% FPL, and sliding scale discounts up to 300% FPL.
Our Bill Defense team can apply for financial assistance on your behalf, follow up with the hospital, provide any additional documentation they request, and find other ways to reduce your bill (billing errors, insurance disputes, negotiation). You pay $0 unless we save you money.
Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Income at or below 200% FPL (RI state mandate for uninsured residents)
Sliding Scale Discounts
20% to 80% off for income between 200% and 300% FPL
Apply Within 240 Days
From the date of your first billing statement
401-456-2410
Patient Financial Services
Covered CharterCARE Hospitals
CharterCARE Health Partners includes two acute care hospitals and affiliated outpatient practices across greater Providence. Both hospitals share the same financial assistance policy.
Roger Williams Medical Center
825 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI 02908
Full-service acute care hospital with emergency department, surgical services, oncology, and behavioral health programs.
Our Lady of Fatima Hospital
200 High Service Avenue, North Providence, RI 02904
Acute care hospital with emergency services, orthopedics, rehabilitation, and cardiac care.
Note: Financial assistance covers both inpatient and outpatient services at CharterCARE facilities. Some independent physicians who practice at these hospitals may bill separately and have their own financial assistance policies. Always confirm with the billing office.
Eligibility and Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level | Family of 1 | Family of 2 | Family of 3 | Family of 4 | Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200% FPL or below | Up to $31,920 | Up to $43,280 | Up to $54,640 | Up to $66,000 | 100% Free |
| 201-300% FPL | $31,921-$47,880 | $43,281-$64,920 | $54,641-$81,960 | $66,001-$99,000 | 20-80% Discount |
2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Add $5,680 for each additional family member above 4.
Important Notes on Eligibility:
- • Rhode Island law (RIGL 23-17-26) mandates 100% free care at 200% FPL for uninsured residents. This is not optional for hospitals.
- • The sliding scale discount (20-80%) between 200% and 300% FPL varies based on your exact income level.
- • CharterCARE applies an asset test. Individual assets cannot exceed $9,659 and family assets cannot exceed $14,488 (check for updated thresholds).
- • Your primary home and one vehicle are typically excluded from the asset calculation.
- • You must be a Rhode Island resident to qualify for the state-mandated free care program.
Bankruptcy Transition: What Patients Need to Know
Prospect Medical Holdings Bankruptcy (January 2025)
Prospect Medical Holdings, the for-profit company that owned CharterCARE hospitals, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2025. This created uncertainty about the future of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital for over a year. During this period, the hospitals continued operating and accepting patients.
Centurion Foundation Acquisition (March 2026)
The Centurion Foundation completed its purchase of both hospitals in March 2026, forming CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island (CHRI) as a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The deal included over $100 million in financing and requires compliance with more than 80 regulatory conditions set by the Rhode Island Attorney General and Department of Health.
What This Means for Financial Assistance
The return to nonprofit status is generally positive for patients seeking financial help:
- Nonprofit hospitals have stronger legal obligations to provide charity care.
- The hospitals now qualify for the federal 340B drug discount program, saving an estimated $75 million per year in operating costs.
- Rhode Island's mandatory free care law at 200% FPL continues to apply regardless of ownership changes.
- Policies and contact numbers may update during the transition. Call 401-456-2410 to verify current procedures.
Bills from before March 2026: If you have outstanding bills from the Prospect Medical Holdings era, you should still apply for financial assistance. The new nonprofit entity assumed responsibility for ongoing patient obligations. Contact Patient Financial Services to confirm how pre-transition bills are being handled.
Required Documents Checklist
Income Verification (Required)
- Recent pay stubs (last 2 to 3 months) for all household income earners
- Most recent federal tax return (all pages, all schedules) OR
- Social Security, unemployment, or disability benefit award letters (if applicable)
Identification and Residency
- Photo ID (Rhode Island driver's license or state ID preferred)
- Proof of Rhode Island residency (utility bill, lease, or RI mail)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
Asset Documentation (Required for Asset Test)
- Bank statements (checking and savings, last 2 to 3 months)
- Investment account statements (if applicable)
- Vehicle registration (to confirm primary vehicle exclusion)
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Insurance denial letters or Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
- Medicaid denial letter (if you applied and were denied)
- Proof of household size (birth certificates, tax dependents)
Tip: Make copies of everything before you submit. If the hospital requests additional documentation, having copies on hand will speed up the process. Incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Request the Application
Call Patient Financial Services at 401-456-2410 to request a financial assistance application by mail. You can also pick one up in person at the admissions desk or emergency department at either Roger Williams Medical Center or Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. Ask for the "Free Care Application" or "Financial Assistance Application."
Gather Your Documents
Use the checklist above to collect all required documents before you start filling out the application. Having everything ready avoids back-and-forth requests that delay approval. If you are missing a document, include a written explanation of why it is unavailable.
Apply for Medicaid First (If Uninsured)
Rhode Island hospitals typically require uninsured patients to apply for Medicaid through HealthSource RI before or alongside the financial assistance application. If you are denied Medicaid, keep the denial letter. It strengthens your financial assistance case. You can apply for Medicaid at healthsourceri.com or by calling 1-855-840-4774.
Submit Your Completed Application
Submit the completed application with all supporting documents to Patient Financial Services. You can deliver in person or mail to the hospital. Keep copies of everything. Make sure to submit within 240 days of your first billing statement.
Follow Up and Track Your Application
Call 401-456-2410 one to two weeks after submitting to confirm receipt. Ask for a reference number or confirmation. If the hospital requests additional documents, provide them promptly. While your application is pending, the hospital should pause collection activity on the covered balance.
Free help available: Organizations like Dollar For can help you check eligibility and submit your CharterCARE financial assistance application at no cost. The Economic Progress Institute in Rhode Island also provides free guidance on hospital free care rights.
Rhode Island Free Care Law: Your Rights
Rhode Island has one of the stronger hospital charity care mandates in the country. Here is what the law requires of CharterCARE and every other RI hospital:
- Mandatory free care at 200% FPL. Hospitals must provide essential care without charge to uninsured Rhode Islanders with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and limited assets. This is not discretionary.
- Discounts required at 200-300% FPL. Hospitals must offer some form of discount to patients between 200% and 300% FPL. The exact discount percentage is up to each hospital. CharterCARE offers a 20% to 80% sliding scale in this range.
- No discouraging patients. Hospitals may not discourage patients who cannot afford to pay from seeking essential medical services or direct them to other providers.
- 240-day application window. Hospitals must accept and consider financial assistance applications submitted within 240 days of the first billing statement.
- Asset test is optional. RI law allows (but does not require) hospitals to apply an asset test. CharterCARE does apply one, with thresholds of $9,659 for individuals and $14,488 for families.
Contact Information
Patient Financial Services
For financial assistance applications, billing questions, and payment plans
Health Care Resource Office
Insurance enrollment assistance and Medicaid screening
Social Services
Community resources, social worker referrals, and additional support
Our Lady of Fatima Billing
Request a Fatima-specific financial assistance application
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I have insurance but still owe a large balance?
Yes. CharterCARE's financial assistance is primarily for uninsured patients, but underinsured patients (those with insurance that does not fully cover their bills) may also qualify. If you have high deductibles or coinsurance amounts that leave you with a balance you cannot afford, contact Patient Financial Services at 401-456-2410 to discuss your options. You will need to provide your insurance EOB showing what was covered and what remains.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Rhode Island's free care law does not require a Social Security number to receive emergency or essential medical services. If you do not have an SSN, explain this on the application and provide whatever alternative identification you have. The hospital cannot deny emergency care based on immigration status. Contact the Health Care Resource Office at 401-456-4072 for guidance specific to your situation.
My bill is already in collections. Can I still apply?
You may still be able to apply, especially if your bill was sent to collections within the 240-day window. Contact Patient Financial Services at 401-456-2410 immediately and explain that you want to apply for financial assistance. Organizations like Dollar For specialize in helping patients whose bills have already gone to collectors. Rhode Island law requires hospitals to consider timely applications, and some hospitals will recall accounts from collections during the review process.
Does financial assistance cover emergency room visits?
Yes. Financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary services at both Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. This includes ER visits, inpatient stays, surgeries, and outpatient services deemed medically necessary. Cosmetic and elective procedures are generally excluded.
How long does the approval process take?
Processing times vary, but most complete applications are reviewed within 30 to 60 days. Incomplete applications take longer because the hospital must contact you for missing documents. To speed things up, submit all required documents with your initial application and follow up after one to two weeks to confirm receipt.
What if I am denied financial assistance?
If denied, ask for the denial in writing with the specific reason. Common reasons include income above the threshold, assets above the limit, or incomplete documentation. You can reapply if your financial situation changes, or if you can address the reason for denial. You may also file a complaint with the Rhode Island Department of Health if you believe the hospital is not following state free care requirements.
Can I get a payment plan instead of (or in addition to) financial assistance?
Yes. CharterCARE offers payment plans for balances that are not fully covered by financial assistance. If you qualify for a partial discount (20-80% at the 200-300% FPL range), you can often set up a monthly payment plan for the remaining balance. Contact Patient Financial Services at 401-456-2410 to arrange a plan. Ask about interest-free options.
Need Help With Your CharterCARE Bill?
CareRoute's Bill Defense team can handle your financial assistance application, negotiate your balance, and check for billing errors. You pay nothing unless we save you money.
Get Free Bill ReviewThis guide is provided for informational purposes and was last updated in May 2026. CharterCARE Health Partners recently completed its transition to nonprofit status under the Centurion Foundation, and policies may be updated during this period. Always verify current eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and asset limits directly with CharterCARE Patient Financial Services at 401-456-2410. CareRoute is not affiliated with CharterCARE Health Partners, Roger Williams Medical Center, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, or the Centurion Foundation.