Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Financial Assistance: 100% Free Care Under 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
CHOP offers one of the most generous financial assistance programs in the country: 100% of patient financial responsibility is waived for families with income at or below 400% FPL. There are no partial discount tiers. If you qualify, your entire bill is covered. The program covers both insured and uninsured patients across 50+ locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
All patient responsibility waived at or below 400% FPL (family of 4: up to ~$132,000/yr)
No Partial Tiers
Single threshold: if you qualify, your entire bill is covered. No sliding scale.
Covers Insured Patients
Copays, deductibles, and coinsurance are all waived for qualifying families.
1-Year Approval Period
Once approved, coverage lasts one full year. 240-day application window from first bill.
50+ Locations Covered
All CHOP-operated facilities across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Main campus, specialty care centers, surgery centers, and primary care practices.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Family Size | 400% FPL Income Threshold | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Up to $63,840/yr | 100% Free |
| 2 people | Up to $86,560/yr | 100% Free |
| 3 people | Up to $109,280/yr | 100% Free |
| 4 people | Up to $132,000/yr | 100% Free |
| 5 people | Up to $154,720/yr | 100% Free |
| 6 people | Up to $177,440/yr | 100% Free |
For families of 7+, add $22,720 per additional person.
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible.
- You must reside in the CHOP primary service area (see below). Exceptions for EMTALA emergencies and specialized care.
- If potentially eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you must apply for those programs as a condition of FA eligibility.
- Approval is valid for one year from the determination date.
- Covers medically necessary care: emergency, inpatient, outpatient, surgical, and home care.
- Exclusions: Transportation, non-CHOP devices/pharmaceuticals, and any drug/biologic with a charge of $75,000 or more.
Primary Service Area (Residency Requirement)
Pennsylvania (9 counties)
- Philadelphia
- Bucks
- Chester
- Delaware
- Montgomery
- Berks
- Lancaster
- Lehigh
- Northampton
New Jersey (13 counties)
- Atlantic
- Burlington
- Camden
- Cape May
- Cumberland
- Gloucester
- Hunterdon
- Mercer
- Middlesex
- Monmouth
- Ocean
- Salem
- Somerset
Delaware (1 county)
- New Castle
Key CHOP Locations Covered
Plus additional primary care practices and outpatient locations. The policy covers all CHOP-operated facilities providing medically necessary care.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit statements (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income documentation
Other Documentation
- Proof of residency in the service area
- Insurance card (if insured)
- Medicaid/CHIP denial letter (if applicable)
- Government-issued photo ID
Dedicated support: CHOP assigns a Family Health Coverage Program (FHCP) coordinator to each family. Your coordinator will guide you through the documentation process and help you apply for Medicaid/CHIP if eligible.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
If your household income is at or below 400% FPL (~$132,000/yr for a family of 4), you likely qualify for 100% free care. You must reside in the CHOP service area (PA, NJ, or DE counties listed above).
Contact the Family Health Coverage Program
Call 1-800-974-2125 or email fhcp@email.chop.edu. A dedicated coordinator will be assigned to your family to guide you through the entire process.
Complete the Application
Fill out the Financial Assistance Application. Available in 7 languages (English, Spanish, Arabic, French, Chinese, Portuguese, Vietnamese). Download from chop.edu or pick up at any CHOP registration desk.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Email: fhcp@email.chop.edu
- Mail: Family Health Coverage Program, CHOP, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- In person: Buerger Center, 3500 Civic Center Blvd, 1st Floor, Room 1255
Apply for Medicaid/CHIP If Eligible
If your family may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you must cooperate in applying for those programs. Your FHCP coordinator will help with this process. Financial assistance still covers you while those applications are pending.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Residency requirement: You must live in the CHOP service area. If you live outside, ask about exceptions for specialized care.
- Medicaid/CHIP: If you are potentially eligible, you must apply for these programs. Failing to cooperate can disqualify you from FA.
- Annual renewal: Approval lasts one year. Set a reminder to reapply before it expires.
- $75,000+ drugs: Drugs and biologics with charges of $75,000 or more are excluded from FA coverage.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Call the Family Health Coverage Program
Call 1-800-974-2125 to discuss the denial. Ask for a written explanation of the reasons. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL or residency outside the service area.
2. Request Reconsideration
If your financial situation has changed or you have additional documentation, submit it to your FHCP coordinator. If income was the issue, provide updated pay stubs or tax information.
3. Explore Other Options
- Payment plans: Contact CHOP Billing at 215-590-2555 to set up a payment plan
- Medical Financial Partnership: CHOP has a separate program that connects families with financial resources
- Medicaid/CHIP: If you qualify, these programs may retroactively cover your bills
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors
- PA Attorney General: Call (800) 441-2555 if you believe CHOP is not following its own FA policy
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help with your CHOP bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for CHOP financial assistance?
Families with household income at or below 400% FPL qualify for 100% free care. For a family of 4, that is approximately $132,000/year. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. You must live in the CHOP service area (select counties in PA, NJ, and DE).
Does CHOP have partial discounts?
No. CHOP uses a single threshold at 400% FPL. If your income is at or below this level, 100% of your patient responsibility is waived. There are no partial discount tiers. Separate payment plan options may be available for families above 400% FPL.
Does CHOP cover insured patients?
Yes. For insured patients who qualify, CHOP waives the remaining patient responsibility after insurance pays, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.
How long does CHOP financial assistance last?
Once approved, financial assistance is valid for one year from the date of determination. After that, you must submit a new application. This means all eligible care within that year is covered without reapplying for each visit.
What if I live outside the CHOP service area?
The residency requirement may be waived for EMTALA-mandated emergency care or when specialized care is only available at CHOP (approved by a treating physician). Contact the FHCP at 1-800-974-2125 to discuss your situation.
What is the Family Health Coverage Program?
FHCP is CHOP's dedicated team that helps families navigate financial assistance, Medicaid/CHIP enrollment, and other coverage options. A coordinator is assigned to each family to provide personalized guidance through the entire process. Call 1-800-974-2125 or email fhcp@email.chop.edu.
Need Help with Your CHOP Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate on your behalf. No upfront cost.
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 Children's Hospital of Philadelphia financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with CHOP at 1-800-974-2125 or visit chop.edu.