Children's Hospital Colorado Financial Assistance: Hospital Discounted Care for Families Below 250% FPL (2026 Guide)
Children's Hospital Colorado provides financial assistance through the Hospital Discounted Care program for families with incomes at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Colorado has some of the strongest medical debt protections in the country under SB 23-093, including a 3% interest rate cap on medical debt and restrictions on aggressive billing practices. Financial counselors at Children's Colorado also help families apply for Medicaid, CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus), and other government programs that may fully cover pediatric care.
Quick Facts
Hospital Discounted Care
Free or discounted care for families at or below 250% FPL (family of 4: up to ~$78,000/yr). Copayments based on income level.
CHP+ and Medicaid Screening
Financial counselors screen for government programs first. CHP+ covers children in families up to 260% FPL with low copays.
Colorado SB 23-093 Protections
Medical debt interest capped at 3%. Patients can dispute bills and request itemized statements. Collections paused during appeals.
365-Day Application Window
You have a full year from your first billing statement to submit a financial assistance application. Guidelines update every April 1.
Covers Insured and Uninsured Patients
Both insured and uninsured patients can apply. For insured patients, financial assistance may cover remaining out-of-pocket costs after insurance pays its portion.
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Start Your Free Case ReviewEligibility and Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Family Size | 250% FPL (Discounted Care) | 260% FPL (CHP+ Eligible) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Up to $39,900/yr | Up to $41,496/yr |
| 2 people | Up to $54,100/yr | Up to $56,264/yr |
| 3 people | Up to $68,300/yr | Up to $71,032/yr |
| 4 people | Up to $82,500/yr | Up to $85,800/yr |
| 5 people | Up to $96,700/yr | Up to $100,568/yr |
| 6 people | Up to $110,900/yr | Up to $115,336/yr |
For families of 7+, add approximately $14,200 per additional person to the 250% FPL threshold.
Important Notes
- You must not be eligible for Medicaid, CHP+, or the Colorado Indigent Care Program to qualify for Hospital Discounted Care.
- Financial counselors will screen you for all government programs first before processing a Discounted Care application.
- Liquid assets (bank accounts, investments) are considered along with income.
- You must submit your application within 365 days from your first post-discharge billing statement.
- Families who qualify will pay a copayment based on income level according to federal poverty guidelines.
- Income guidelines are updated every April 1.
Colorado Medical Debt Protections (SB 23-093)
Colorado enacted SB 23-093 in 2023, creating some of the strongest medical debt protections in the nation. These protections apply to all patients at Colorado hospitals, including Children's Hospital Colorado.
Interest Rate Cap
- Medical debt interest capped at 3% per year (reduced from 8%)
- Applies to all medical debt not charged to a credit card
Patient Rights During Collections
- Right to request itemized statements from debt collectors
- Right to dispute the validity of medical debt
- Collections must stop during appeals
- Evidentiary requirements before default judgments can be entered
Payment Plan Protections
- Payment plans must be documented in writing
- Hospital must notify you before accelerating or declaring default
- Plans must include clear terms and conditions
Hospital Discounted Care (State Requirement)
- All Colorado hospitals must offer discounted care for patients below 250% FPL
- Hospitals must screen patients for financial assistance eligibility
- Hospitals must limit charges to the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) for qualifying patients
What this means for you: If your income is below 250% FPL, you have a legal right to discounted care at any Colorado hospital. The hospital cannot charge you more than what insured patients typically pay. Interest on any remaining balance is limited to 3%, and you have strong protections against aggressive collection practices.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Social Security or disability benefit statements
- Unemployment compensation records
- Self-employment income documentation
- Child support or alimony received
Other Documentation
- Proof of household size
- Bank statements (liquid assets verification)
- Insurance card (if insured)
- Medicaid or CHP+ denial letter (if applicable)
- Government-issued photo ID for parent/guardian
- Proof of U.S. residency
Not sure what you need? Call the Financial Counseling team at 720-777-7001. They will walk you through exactly which documents apply to your situation and help you gather everything needed.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Contact Financial Counseling
Call 720-777-7001 or email FinancialCounseling@childrenscolorado.org. Financial counselors are available to screen you for free and help you understand your options. This initial consultation costs nothing.
Get Screened for Government Programs
Your counselor will first check if you qualify for Medicaid, CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus), or the Colorado Indigent Care Program. These programs may cover your child's care at little or no cost. If eligible, the counselor will help you apply.
Complete the Financial Assistance Application
If you do not qualify for government programs, complete the Hospital Discounted Care application. You can:
- Download: Get the application from childrenscolorado.org
- By phone: Call 720-777-7001 and a counselor will guide you through it
- In person: Visit the financial counseling office at any Children's Colorado location
Submit Proof of Income and Assets
Attach your income documentation, proof of household size, and bank statements showing liquid assets. Submit within 365 days of your first billing statement. If you cannot gather everything immediately, submit what you have and follow up with the rest.
Receive Your Determination
Children's Colorado will review your application and notify you of your eligibility. If approved, you will receive discounted care with a copayment based on your income level. The discount applies to your account and any qualifying outstanding balances.
Apply for CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) Too
CHP+ is Colorado's low-cost health insurance for children and pregnant women whose families earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. It covers children in families up to 260% FPL with small copays. Children's Colorado financial counselors will help you apply. Even if you are waiting on a CHP+ determination, you can still apply for Hospital Discounted Care.
Tips for Success
Colorado Caps Medical Debt Interest at 3%
Under SB 23-093, medical debt interest is limited to 3% per year. If you are being charged more, you have the right to challenge it. This applies even if your financial assistance application is denied.
Apply Before Your Bill Goes to Collections
You have 365 days to apply, but it is much easier to resolve bills before they are sent to a collection agency. Apply as soon as you know you may have difficulty paying.
Request an Itemized Bill
Always ask for a detailed itemized statement. Under Colorado law, debt collectors must provide itemized statements upon request. Billing errors are common, and you have the right to dispute incorrect charges.
Ask About the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB)
Children's Colorado limits charges to the AGB for financial assistance patients. This means you cannot be charged more than what insured patients typically pay for the same services. Ask for your AGB percentage if you qualify for assistance.
Keep Copies of Everything
Make copies of your application, all documents submitted, and any correspondence. If there is a dispute, you will need proof of what was submitted and when. Colorado law requires written documentation for payment plan agreements.
Contact Information
Financial Counseling
Location and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Children's Hospital Colorado financial assistance?
Families with household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for the Hospital Discounted Care program. Eligibility is based on household size, income, and liquid assets. You must not be eligible for Medicaid, CHP+, or other government insurance programs. Both insured and uninsured patients can apply.
Does Colorado law require hospitals to provide financial assistance?
Yes. Colorado requires all hospitals to offer a Hospital Discounted Care program for patients below 250% FPL. Additionally, SB 23-093 (enacted in 2023) provides strong medical debt protections including a 3% interest rate cap, required itemized statements, and restrictions on aggressive collections practices.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
Call the Financial Counseling team at 720-777-7001 or email FinancialCounseling@childrenscolorado.org. A counselor will screen you for government programs and help you complete the Hospital Discounted Care application if needed. You can also download the application from childrenscolorado.org.
Can I apply after I already received a bill?
Yes. You can apply for financial assistance within 365 days from the date of your first post-discharge billing statement. It is best to apply as soon as possible to prevent your account from being sent to collections.
What is CHP+ and should I apply for it?
CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) is Colorado's low-cost health insurance for children and pregnant women whose families earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. It covers children in families up to 260% FPL. Children's Colorado financial counselors will help you apply. If you qualify, it may cover your child's care with small copays.
What protections does Colorado SB 23-093 provide?
SB 23-093 caps interest on medical debt at 3% per year, requires debt collectors to provide itemized statements upon request, allows consumers to dispute the validity of medical debt, requires written documentation for payment plans, and stops collections while appeals are pending.
Does Children's Hospital Colorado offer payment plans?
Yes. For patients who do not qualify for full financial assistance, Children's Colorado offers payment plans. Contact the billing department at 720-777-7001 to discuss arrangements. Under Colorado law, payment plans must be documented in writing and the hospital must notify you before accelerating or declaring a default.
What if my financial assistance application is denied?
Contact the Financial Counseling team at 720-777-7001 to discuss the denial and provide additional documentation. You can also ask about payment plan options or other assistance programs. If you believe the hospital is not following Colorado law, you can file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.
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Start Your Free Case ReviewRelated Resources
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available Children's Hospital Colorado financial assistance policies and Colorado state law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Children's Hospital Colorado at 720-777-7001 or visit childrenscolorado.org.