Cincinnati Children's Hospital Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL + 75% Discount to 300% FPL (2026 Guide)
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) is one of the top-ranked pediatric hospitals in the nation, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The hospital offers generous financial assistance for families who cannot afford their child's medical bills. Patients with family income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for 100% free care, while families between 200-300% FPL receive a 75% discount. Uninsured patients automatically receive a 49% discount on their balance, and may qualify for additional reductions through the formal application process.
Quick Facts
100% Free Care (0-200% FPL)
Families with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single, ~$65,880/yr family of 4) pay nothing for services
75% Discount (200-300% FPL)
Families with income between 200-300% FPL receive a 75% discount on their remaining balance
Automatic 49% Uninsured Discount
All uninsured patients automatically receive a 49% discount before any additional financial assistance is applied
Ohio HCAP Eligible
As an Ohio hospital, CCHMC participates in the Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) providing additional state-level protections
Family Financial Advocates Available
Dedicated advocates help families navigate Medicaid, Social Security, BCMH, developmental disabilities services, waivers, and other support programs. They specialize in helping families with chronically ill children find every available resource.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approx. Income (Family of 4) | Discount Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$65,880/yr | 100% Free Care |
| 200-300% FPL | ~$65,881 - ~$98,820/yr | 75% Discount |
| Uninsured (any income) | Any income level | Automatic 49% Discount |
| Above 300% FPL | Above ~$98,820/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- The 49% uninsured discount is applied automatically and does not require an application.
- For the 100% free care or 75% discount, you must complete the Financial Assistance Application.
- Both insured and uninsured families can apply for the income-based discounts.
- Cincinnati Children's participates in Ohio's Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP), which provides additional protections.
- Under federal 501(r) rules, the hospital cannot charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary services provided at CCHMC.
- You can apply retroactively for services already received.
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Get Help with Your BillDocuments You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- W-2 forms or 1099 forms
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income documentation
- Income info for all household members
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID for parent/guardian
- Proof of household size (birth certificates, school records)
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from insurance
- Medicaid denial letter (if previously denied)
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing or result in denial. Make sure every required field is completed and all supporting documentation is included before submitting. The Family Financial Advocates can help you understand exactly what is needed.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care for household income at or below 200% FPL (~$65,880/yr family of 4). 75% discount for income between 200-300% FPL (~$98,820/yr family of 4). All uninsured patients receive an automatic 49% discount regardless of income.
Contact Family Financial Advocates
Call 513-636-4427 (Option 2) or email FFA@cchmc.org. The Family Financial Advocates specialize in helping families navigate financial assistance, Medicaid, and other support programs. They can guide you through the entire process.
Gather Your Documents
Collect proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), photo ID, proof of household size, and insurance information. Your financial advocate can tell you exactly what is needed for your situation.
Complete and Submit the Application
Download the Financial Assistance Application from the Cincinnati Children's website or request one from your financial advocate. Complete all fields, attach supporting documents, and submit. You can submit:
- In person: At the hospital's Patient Financial Services office
- By mail: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229
- By email: FFA@cchmc.org
- By phone: 513-636-4427 (Option 2) for guidance on submission
Follow Up
Call 513-636-4427 (Option 2) to confirm receipt and check your application status. Keep copies of everything you submit. The hospital will notify you of the decision in writing.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Under federal 501(r) rules, apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Missing documentation or unsigned forms will delay or prevent approval.
- Not exploring Medicaid first: Ohio Medicaid covers children in families up to 206% FPL. The financial advocates can help you apply.
- Ignoring bills while waiting: Contact CCHMC to let them know you are applying so your account is flagged appropriately.
- Forgetting about BCMH: The Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps covers many chronic conditions. Ask your advocate about eligibility.
Cincinnati Children's Tips and Insider Knowledge
Ask About the Family Financial Advocates Early
Do not wait until you receive a bill. The Family Financial Advocates can begin working with you during or before your child's treatment. They are trained to identify every program that might help, including ones you may not know about.
Explore Multiple Programs Simultaneously
Cincinnati Children's advocates can help you apply for Medicaid, BCMH (Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps), Social Security, developmental disabilities waivers, and the hospital's own financial assistance all at once. These programs can stack together to cover different costs.
Ohio HCAP Provides Extra Protection
Ohio's Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) provides state-level financial assistance protections beyond the hospital's own policy. HCAP funds help Ohio hospitals offset the cost of charity care, and the program requires hospitals to make assistance available to low-income patients. This is an additional safety net for Ohio families.
Chronically Ill Children Get Extra Help
Cincinnati Children's specializes in complex pediatric care. If your child has a chronic illness requiring ongoing treatment, the Family Financial Advocates can help you set up long-term financial support through multiple programs, reducing your out-of-pocket burden over time.
The 49% Uninsured Discount is Automatic
If you are uninsured, you do not need to apply for the 49% discount. It is applied automatically to your balance. However, you should still complete the Financial Assistance Application because you may qualify for the full 100% write-off or 75% discount based on your income level.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact the Family Financial Advocates
Call 513-636-4427 (Option 2) to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 300% FPL, incomplete documentation, or missing signatures. An advocate can help you understand what went wrong.
2. Reapply with Complete Documentation
If your application was denied due to incomplete information, gather the missing documents and resubmit. If your financial situation has changed (job loss, medical emergency, change in household size), submit a new application reflecting your current circumstances.
3. Explore Other Options
- Payment plans: Cincinnati Children's offers payment plans for balances you cannot pay in full
- Request an itemized bill: Review all charges for errors or duplicate charges
- Ohio Medicaid: Covers children in families up to 206% FPL
- BCMH: Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps covers many chronic pediatric conditions
- Dollar For: A nonprofit that helps patients apply for hospital financial assistance programs
- Ohio Attorney General: If you believe you were wrongly denied, Ohio has patient protection laws
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Cincinnati Children's bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Family Financial Advocates
Hospital Address and Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Cincinnati Children's financial assistance?
Families with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$65,880/yr family of 4) qualify for 100% free care. Families between 200-300% FPL qualify for a 75% discount. Uninsured patients automatically receive a 49% discount regardless of income. Both insured and uninsured families can apply for the income-based assistance.
Do uninsured patients get an automatic discount?
Yes. All uninsured patients automatically receive a 49% discount on their balance. No application is required for this discount. However, uninsured patients should still apply for the full financial assistance program because they may qualify for 100% free care or a 75% discount based on income.
Can I apply after my child has already received care?
Yes. Cincinnati Children's accepts retroactive applications for services already received. Under federal 501(r) rules, you have at least 240 days from your first billing statement to submit a complete application. Contact the Family Financial Advocates as soon as possible at 513-636-4427 (Option 2).
Does Cincinnati Children's help with Medicaid applications?
Yes. The Family Financial Advocates actively help families apply for Ohio Medicaid, which covers children in families with income up to 206% FPL. They also assist with Social Security, BCMH, developmental disabilities services, waivers, and other government programs.
What is Ohio HCAP and how does it help?
The Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) is an Ohio state program that requires participating hospitals to provide financial assistance to low-income patients. As a participating hospital, Cincinnati Children's receives state funding to help offset charity care costs. This program provides an additional layer of protection for Ohio families beyond the hospital's own financial assistance policy.
What if my child has a chronic condition requiring ongoing care?
Cincinnati Children's Family Financial Advocates specialize in helping families with chronically ill children. They can connect you with long-term programs like BCMH (which covers many chronic pediatric conditions), Medicaid waivers, and developmental disabilities services. These programs can provide ongoing financial support beyond a single hospital visit.
Does financial assistance cover physician bills separately?
Cincinnati Children's financial assistance typically covers hospital facility charges. Some physicians may bill separately, and their practices may have their own financial assistance policies. Ask your Family Financial Advocate about coverage for all providers involved in your child's care.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Processing times vary depending on the completeness of your application and current volume. Contact the Family Financial Advocates at 513-636-4427 (Option 2) for an estimated timeline. While your application is being reviewed, collection activity should be paused on the relevant accounts.
Know Your Ohio Medical Bill Rights
Ohio has specific laws protecting patients from unfair medical billing practices, including HCAP protections, surprise billing regulations, and collection restrictions. Learn about your full rights as an Ohio patient.
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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 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Cincinnati Children's at 513-636-4427 (Option 2) or visit cincinnatichildrens.org/patient-resources/billing/financial-assistance.