Children’s National Hospital Financial Assistance (Charity Care): Complete 2026 Guide
Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC provides full financial assistance (100% free care) for families with income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program covers patients from DC, Maryland, and Virginia who have lived in the service area for at least six months. Once approved, coverage lasts for one full year.
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 child’s bill (billing errors, insurance disputes, negotiation). You pay $0 unless we save you money.
Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Full financial assistance for families at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
One Year of Coverage
Once approved, no bills for eligible services for 12 months from the approval date
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement, even if sent to collections
202-476-5505
Financial Counseling • Toll-free: 1-800-787-0021
Children’s National Hospital Service Area
Children’s National Hospital is the top-ranked pediatric hospital in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The hospital serves families from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, providing specialized care for complex pediatric conditions.
Note: You must have resided in the primary service area (DC, MD, or VA) for at least six months to qualify for financial assistance. Some physicians who practice at Children’s National may bill separately from the hospital.
Eligibility Requirements
Children’s National provides full financial assistance to eligible families. Unlike many hospitals that use a sliding scale, Children’s National offers complete coverage (100% of eligible charges) for all qualifying patients.
| Requirement | Threshold | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Family Income | At or below 400% FPL | Based on gross household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level for your family size |
| Residency | 6 months in service area | Must have lived in DC, Maryland, or Virginia for at least six months |
| Services | Medically necessary or emergency | Covers emergency care and services deemed medically necessary |
| Benefit | 100% free care | All eligible charges are fully covered. No patient responsibility for approved services. |
2026 FPL reference: For a family of 4, 400% FPL is approximately $124,800 per year. Use the FPL table below to check thresholds for your household size. A financial counselor at 202-476-5505 can confirm your eligibility.
Important Notes:
- • Once approved, you are not responsible for any future eligible bills for one full year
- • Emergency care is always provided regardless of ability to pay or financial assistance status
- • You will never be charged more than amounts generally billed to insured patients
- • Patients may be asked to apply for Medicaid, CHIP, or DC Healthcare Alliance first
- • The program is available regardless of immigration status or demographics
Additional Ways to Qualify and Related Programs
DC Healthcare Alliance
DC residents who do not qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for the DC Healthcare Alliance, a local government health coverage program. Children’s National financial counselors can help determine if your family qualifies for the Alliance, which can cover care at Children’s National and other participating providers.
Medicaid and CHIP
Financial counselors will screen families for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility. If you qualify for a government program, you may be directed to enroll in that first. If you are denied or have a coverage gap, hospital financial assistance can still apply.
Insured Families with High Out-of-Pocket Costs
If your insurance does not cover certain services, your benefits are exhausted, or your remaining out-of-pocket costs are unaffordable, you may still apply for financial assistance on the balance. Talk to a financial counselor about your specific situation.
Complex and Chronic Conditions
Children’s National is a leading center for complex pediatric conditions including cancer, heart disease, neurology, and rare diseases. Families with ongoing treatment needs benefit especially from the one-year approval period, which covers all eligible services during that time without needing to reapply for each visit.
Required Documents Checklist
Income Verification
- Most recent federal income tax return
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Social Security or disability benefits letter (if applicable)
- Unemployment benefits documentation (if applicable)
Residency and Household
- Proof of residency in DC, MD, or VA for at least 6 months (utility bill, lease, or government mail)
- Proof of household size (birth certificates, school records, or tax dependents)
Insurance Information
- Copy of insurance card (if insured)
- Denial letters from Medicaid or other programs (if applicable)
Submit copies, not originals. A financial counselor may request additional documents depending on your situation. Call 1-800-787-0021 option 6 if you have questions about what to include.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Get the Application
Request a Financial Assistance Application at any clinic check-in desk, the admissions office, or by calling the Financial Information Center at 1-800-787-0021 (option 6). You can also ask for it to be mailed or emailed to you at no charge.
5 minutes
Talk to a Financial Counselor
Call Financial Counseling at 202-476-5505 to discuss your situation. They can help determine your likely eligibility and tell you exactly which documents to gather. Counselors are available in person at the hospital as well.
10 minutes
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents from the checklist above, including income verification, proof of residency for at least 6 months, and household size documentation. Having everything ready prevents processing delays.
15 minutes
Complete and Submit the Application
Fill out the Financial Assistance Application and submit it with your supporting documents. You can submit in person at the admissions office, by mail, or work with a financial counselor to complete it together.
20 minutes
Apply for Government Programs if Directed
You may be asked to apply for Medicaid, CHIP, or the DC Healthcare Alliance. Financial counselors can help you with these applications. Hospital financial assistance may still apply even if you qualify for a government program.
Varies
Follow Up on Your Application
Call 1-800-787-0021 to confirm receipt and check your application status. Provide any additional requested documents promptly to avoid delays. Once approved, you are covered for one year.
Ongoing
Tips for a Smooth Application
✓ Apply Within 240 Days
You have 240 days from your first billing statement to submit an application. Children’s National must consider applications within this window, even if the bill has gone to collections.
✓ Request a Billing Hold
Ask for a hold on your account while your application is being reviewed. This prevents collections activity and additional billing notices during the review period.
✓ Mention All Family Members Who Are Patients
If multiple children in your family receive care at Children’s National, mention this during your application. One approval can cover all eligible family members.
✓ Keep Records of Everything
Save copies of your application, all documents submitted, and notes from conversations with financial counselors including dates and names. This helps if you need to follow up or appeal.
Need Help With Your Children’s National Bill?
Our Bill Defense team handles the entire financial assistance process for you. We apply on your behalf, follow up with the hospital, gather additional documents, and look for other ways to reduce your bill. You pay nothing unless we save you money.
Get Professional Help With Your BillContacts & Official Links
Financial Counseling
Available in person or by phone
Financial Information Center (Toll-Free)
Billing and Payment Plans
Mon to Fri, 9am to 4pm ET
In-Person Assistance
Visit the check-in desk at your clinic location or the admissions office at 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010.
What If You Are Denied?
Understand the Reason
Children’s National will notify you of their decision. If denied, ask the financial counselor to explain the specific reason. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, missing documents, or residency outside the service area.
Request Reconsideration
Contact Financial Counseling at 202-476-5505 or the Financial Information Center at 1-800-787-0021 to discuss the denial. If your circumstances have changed (job loss, medical hardship) or you have additional documentation, ask them to reconsider.
Other Options
- • Ask about interest-free payment plans (call 301-572-3542)
- • Request an itemized bill to verify all charges are correct
- • Apply for the DC Healthcare Alliance if you are a DC resident
- • Check Medicaid or CHIP eligibility for your children
- • Ask about disease-specific programs or charitable funds for your child’s condition
Denied or need more help? If your financial assistance application is denied, or your bill has other issues beyond charity care (billing errors, insurance underpayment), CareRoute’s Bill Defense team can appeal the denial, identify additional savings, and handle all communications with the hospital on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Children’s National financial assistance?
What care is covered by financial assistance?
How long does approval last?
Can families from Maryland and Virginia apply?
What is the DC Healthcare Alliance and how does it relate?
Does Children’s National offer payment plans?
How long do I have to apply?
Can I apply if I have insurance?
Next Steps
Related Resources:
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Eligibility requirements and processes may change. Always confirm current policies directly with Children’s National Hospital.CareRoute is not affiliated with Children’s National Hospital or any of its affiliated entities.