Cone Health Financial Assistance: Free Care at 200% FPL + Sliding Scale Discounts (2026 Guide)
Cone Health is a major nonprofit health system based in Greensboro, North Carolina, serving the Piedmont Triad region. Their financial assistance program offers 100% free care for patients at or below 200% FPL and sliding scale discounts for those at 201-300% FPL. Both insured and uninsured patients can apply. The program covers all five Cone Health hospitals and their employed physicians across Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, and Reidsville.
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Quick Eligibility Summary
Who Qualifies for Cone Health Financial Assistance?
100% Free Care (Charity Care)
Patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for complete charity care at Cone Health. Your entire bill is written off. For a single person in 2026, 200% FPL is approximately $31,920/year. For a family of four, it is approximately $65,600/year. This applies to services at all Cone Health hospitals and employed physicians.
Sliding Scale Discounts (201-300% FPL)
Patients with household income between 201% and 300% FPL qualify for discounted care on a sliding scale. The higher your income within this range, the smaller the discount, but patients in this bracket still receive meaningful reductions. For a single person, 300% FPL is approximately $47,880/year. For a family of four, it is approximately $98,400/year.
Both Insured and Uninsured Patients
You do not need to be uninsured to apply. Insured patients who meet the income guidelines can receive help with out-of-pocket costs including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. If you have insurance but still cannot afford your share of the bill, apply for financial assistance.
North Carolina Medicaid Expansion (Important for Cone Health Patients)
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, which is a major development for patients in the Piedmont Triad region. If your household income is at or below 138% FPL (approximately $22,054/year for a single person), you may now qualify for full Medicaid coverage.
Why this matters for Cone Health patients:
- Medicaid covers most medical services with little to no out-of-pocket cost
- Covers future care, not just existing bills (unlike financial assistance)
- Cone Health financial counselors can help you enroll during your FA application
- May provide retroactive coverage for up to 3 months before your application date
Tip: Even if you are applying for Cone Health financial assistance, ask the financial counselor to also screen you for Medicaid eligibility. Getting enrolled in Medicaid protects you for future medical expenses at any provider, not just Cone Health.
Need Help with a Cone Health Bill?
CareRoute can help you understand your options, draft appeal letters, and navigate the financial assistance application process. Our tools are designed to help patients advocate for themselves effectively.
Try Bill DefenseCone Health Hospitals and Facilities
Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital
Greensboro (Flagship)
The largest and flagship hospital in the Cone Health system, offering comprehensive medical services
Wesley Long Hospital
Greensboro
Full-service community hospital serving the Greensboro area
Annie Penn Hospital
Reidsville
Community hospital serving Rockingham County and surrounding areas
Alamance Regional Medical Center
Burlington
Serves the more rural Alamance County area where FA awareness may be lower
MedCenter High Point
High Point
Serving the High Point community and surrounding Guilford County
Women's Hospital + Behavioral Health Hospital
Greensboro
Specialty facilities also covered under the same financial assistance policy
All Cone Health facilities share the same financial assistance policy. You can apply at any facility, and your application covers eligible services across the entire system, including over 100 outpatient clinics.
Behavioral Health Services Are Covered
An important detail that many patients miss: Cone Health's Behavioral Health Hospital services are fully covered under the financial assistance program. If you received inpatient or outpatient mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, or psychiatric care at any Cone Health facility, you can apply for financial assistance for those bills.
This includes:
- Inpatient psychiatric admissions
- Outpatient behavioral health appointments
- Substance abuse and addiction treatment
- Crisis stabilization services
Why this matters: Mental health patients often do not realize they can apply for the same financial assistance as patients with physical health conditions. If you are struggling with behavioral health bills from Cone Health, do not hesitate to contact Patient Financial Services.
North Carolina Medical Debt Protections
North Carolina provides some of the strongest medical debt protections in the country. Cone Health patients should be aware of these rights, which apply whether or not your financial assistance application is approved.
No Wage Garnishment for Medical Debt
North Carolina does not allow wage garnishment for medical debt in most circumstances. This means that even if Cone Health (or a collector acting on their behalf) obtains a judgment against you, they generally cannot garnish your paycheck. This is a significant protection that limits the consequences of unpaid medical bills.
NC $6.5 Billion Medical Debt Relief Initiatives
North Carolina has undertaken massive medical debt relief initiatives. Cone Health patients should check whether they are eligible for state or county debt forgiveness programs. These programs have eliminated billions in medical debt for NC residents. Contact your county social services office or ask a Cone Health financial counselor about current programs.
Nonprofit Hospital Obligations
As a nonprofit health system, Cone Health must comply with IRS Section 501(r) requirements. They are required to maintain a financial assistance policy, publicize it broadly, provide a plain-language summary, and limit charges for FA-eligible patients to amounts generally billed to insured individuals. They cannot use extraordinary collection actions before making reasonable efforts to determine if you qualify for assistance.
Piedmont Triad: Many Residents Qualify But Do Not Apply
The Greensboro, High Point, and Burlington areas have significant poverty rates. Many residents who receive care at Cone Health facilities qualify for free or discounted care but never apply. This is especially true at Alamance Regional Medical Center, which serves a more rural and underserved population.
If any of these apply to you, you should apply for financial assistance:
- You earn less than $31,920/year as a single person (or $65,600 for a family of four)
- You earn less than $47,880/year single (or $98,400 family of four) and want to check for discounts
- You have received a bill from any Cone Health hospital, clinic, or employed physician
- You visited the ER and do not have insurance or cannot afford your share
- You received behavioral health services and are struggling with the cost
Important: You do not need to be at rock bottom to qualify. Many working families in the Piedmont Triad qualify for at least partial discounts under the 201-300% FPL tier. The application costs nothing, and approval can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Cone Health Remains Independent (Sentara Merger Update)
In 2022-2023, Cone Health attempted to merge with Sentara Healthcare, a large Virginia-based health system. The merger fell through after regulatory pushback. This means:
- Cone Health continues to operate independently with its own financial assistance policies
- Apply directly through Cone Health, not Sentara
- FA eligibility and policies are determined by Cone Health alone
How to Apply for Cone Health Financial Assistance
Contact Patient Financial Services
Call Cone Health Patient Financial Services at (336) 832-7000 or visit the financial counseling office at any Cone Health hospital or clinic. Let them know you need help paying your medical bills and would like to apply for financial assistance.
Ask About Medicaid Screening
Before or during the FA application, ask the financial counselor to screen you for North Carolina Medicaid. Since the December 2023 expansion, adults up to 138% FPL may qualify. Medicaid enrollment can cover both your current bills and future care, which provides broader protection than financial assistance alone.
Gather Your Documents
You will typically need: proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a signed statement of no income), proof of household size, government-issued identification, and your Cone Health bills or account numbers. Your financial counselor will confirm exactly what is needed for your situation.
Complete the Application
Fill out the Cone Health financial assistance application form. Financial counselors are available to help you complete it. Be thorough and accurate, as incomplete applications can delay the process. Include documentation for all household members who contribute to income.
Submit and Follow Up
Submit your completed application with all supporting documentation to Patient Financial Services. Keep copies of everything you submit. Follow up within 2 weeks if you have not received confirmation of receipt. Ask for a timeline of when you can expect a decision.
Receive Your Determination
Cone Health will review your application and notify you of the decision. If approved for 100% free care (at or below 200% FPL), your entire balance will be written off. If approved for the sliding scale discount (201-300% FPL), a percentage reduction will be applied to your eligible bills.
If Your Application Is Denied
If Cone Health denies your financial assistance application, you have several options:
- 1.Request a written explanation of the denial reason. Understanding why you were denied helps you address the issue directly.
- 2.Appeal the decision. Ask your financial counselor about the appeal process. Provide additional documentation that directly addresses the denial reason.
- 3.Request a payment plan. Even without charity care approval, Cone Health may offer interest-free or reduced payment plans that make your bills more manageable.
- 4.Check NC debt relief programs. North Carolina has undertaken massive medical debt forgiveness initiatives. Contact your county social services office to see if you qualify for state or county debt relief.
- 5.Remember your NC protections. Even if denied, North Carolina generally does not allow wage garnishment for medical debt. You have more leverage than you might think.
- 6.Contact the NC Attorney General if you believe the denial violates nonprofit hospital obligations. Cone Health must comply with IRS 501(r) requirements as a tax-exempt organization.
Denied? Let Us Help You Appeal
CareRoute can help you draft an appeal letter, identify the right provisions to cite, and build a compelling case for why your application should be reconsidered.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for free care at Cone Health?
Patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for 100% free care at all Cone Health facilities. This is approximately $31,920/year for a single person or $65,600/year for a family of four in 2026. Both insured and uninsured patients can qualify.
Does Cone Health offer discounted care above 200% FPL?
Yes. Patients with income between 201% and 300% FPL qualify for sliding scale discounts. The discount percentage varies based on your income level within this range. For a single person, 300% FPL is approximately $47,880/year. Contact Patient Financial Services at (336) 832-7000 to learn what discount you may be eligible for.
Can insured patients qualify for Cone Health financial assistance?
Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients can apply. Insured patients may receive help with out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance if they meet the income guidelines. Having insurance does not disqualify you from financial assistance.
Which hospitals are part of Cone Health?
Cone Health operates five main hospitals: Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital (Greensboro), Wesley Long Hospital (Greensboro), Annie Penn Hospital (Reidsville), Alamance Regional Medical Center (Burlington), and MedCenter High Point. They also run Women's Hospital, Behavioral Health Hospital, and over 100 clinics across the Piedmont Triad.
Can North Carolina garnish my wages for medical debt?
No, not in most circumstances. North Carolina does not allow wage garnishment for medical debt. This is a strong protection for Cone Health patients. While collectors may pursue other methods, your paycheck is generally safe from garnishment for unpaid medical bills.
Can Cone Health help me enroll in Medicaid?
Yes. Cone Health financial counselors can help you apply for North Carolina Medicaid. Since the December 2023 expansion, adults with income up to 138% FPL may qualify. Medicaid enrollment can cover your current bills (with potential retroactive coverage) and all future medical care. Ask about Medicaid screening when you apply for financial assistance.
Does financial assistance cover behavioral health services?
Yes. Cone Health's Behavioral Health Hospital and all behavioral health services provided at Cone Health facilities are covered under the financial assistance policy. This includes inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and crisis stabilization. Apply the same way as you would for any other medical bill.
What happened with the Cone Health and Sentara merger?
Cone Health attempted to merge with Sentara Healthcare in 2022-2023, but the deal fell through after regulatory challenges. Cone Health remains an independent health system with its own financial assistance policies. If you are a Cone Health patient, apply through Cone Health directly. Sentara has no role in Cone Health's financial assistance program.
Related Guides
North Carolina medical bill rights and other hospital financial assistance guides that may help Cone Health patients.
Last updated: May 2026. Information is based on publicly available Cone Health financial assistance policies. Always confirm current eligibility requirements directly with Cone Health Patient Financial Services at (336) 832-7000.