Corewell Health Financial Assistance: Free Care to 250% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health) offers 100% free care for patients with household income at or below 250% FPL, plus sliding-scale discounts up to 400% FPL. As Michigan's largest health system, the policy covers all 22 hospitals across the state, from Grand Rapids to the Detroit metro area. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible for emergency and medically necessary services.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care to 250% FPL
Patients with household income at or below 250% FPL (single: up to ~$39,900/yr) qualify for full charity care on the portion they owe
Sliding Scale to 400% FPL
Patients with income between 250-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) receive discounts on a sliding scale
22 Hospitals Statewide
Michigan's largest health system, covering Grand Rapids, Detroit metro, Southwest Michigan, and rural communities
240-Day Application Window
From your first post-discharge billing statement. Collection actions paused during review.
Covers Insured Patients Too
Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. Insured patients can get help with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Priority Health Members
Corewell Health owns Priority Health (1.2M+ members). Priority Health members can still apply for hospital FA on out-of-pocket costs.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-250% FPL | Up to ~$39,900/yr | 100% Free Care (full charity care) |
| 251-300% FPL | ~$39,901 - ~$47,880/yr | Significant discount (sliding scale) |
| 301-350% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$55,860/yr | Moderate discount (sliding scale) |
| 351-400% FPL | ~$55,861 - ~$63,840/yr | Partial discount (sliding scale) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients with income 0-400% FPL are eligible.
- Covers emergency and medically necessary services at all 22 Corewell hospitals.
- Uninsured patients may be screened for Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan (covers adults up to 138% FPL) before FA eligibility is determined.
- Financial assistance applies to the patient responsibility portion after insurance processes the claim.
- Apply within 240 days of your first post-discharge billing statement.
- Corewell Health will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Assistance is based on demonstrated financial need and cooperation from the patient.
Spectrum Health + Beaumont Health Merger: What Patients Should Know
Corewell Health was formed on February 1, 2022, when Spectrum Health (Grand Rapids, 14 hospitals) merged with Beaumont Health (Southeast Michigan, 8 hospitals). The combined system rebranded as Corewell Health in October 2022, creating Michigan's largest health system with 22 hospitals and over $13 billion in revenue.
Why This Matters for Financial Assistance
- One unified policy: All 22 hospitals now fall under a single financial assistance policy. You no longer need to figure out whether to apply through Spectrum or Beaumont.
- Old bills: If you have outstanding bills from a former Spectrum Health or Beaumont Health facility, contact Corewell at 1-877-687-7309 to confirm which application process applies.
- Website confusion: Some Beaumont locations still redirect through beaumont.org. The correct portal is corewellhealth.org/billing/financial-assistance.
- Priority Health: Corewell Health also owns Priority Health, a health plan covering over 1.2 million Michigan members. Having Priority Health insurance does not disqualify you from hospital financial assistance.
Beaumont's Pre-Merger History
Before the merger, Beaumont Health paid an $84.5 million settlement to resolve federal False Claims Act allegations related to improper physician payment arrangements. While this was a physician compensation issue (not patient billing), it reflects the kind of institutional complexity patients should be aware of when navigating a large system. If you feel you were billed incorrectly at any former Beaumont facility, request an itemized bill and consider applying for financial assistance.
Struggling with a Corewell Health Bill?
Navigating financial assistance at a 22-hospital system can be overwhelming, especially after the Spectrum/Beaumont merger. CareRoute Bill Defense can review your bill, check for errors, and handle the financial assistance application process on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Get Help with Your Bill22 Hospitals Covered Across Michigan
Corewell Health East (formerly Beaumont Health)
Southeast Michigan, Detroit metro area
Corewell Health West (formerly Spectrum Health)
West Michigan, Grand Rapids area and northern communities
Corewell Health South (formerly Spectrum Health Lakeland)
Southwest Michigan
Plus 300+ outpatient locations, urgent care centers, and physician offices across Michigan. Corewell Health also owns Priority Health, serving 1.2 million members.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal tax return
- Recent pay stubs (typically last 3 months)
- Recent wage and tax statements (W-2 or 1099)
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Recent bank statements
- Income info for all household members
Other Documentation
- Proof of Michigan residency
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Copies of identity documents
- Personal statement (if requested)
Important: Incomplete or unsigned applications may be denied. Make sure every field is filled out and the application is signed before submitting. If your situation is complex (for example, if you received care at both former Beaumont and Spectrum locations), call 1-877-687-7309 for guidance before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care at 0-250% FPL (~$39,900/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts from 250-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). You must be a Michigan resident with demonstrated financial need.
Contact Financial Assistance
Call 1-877-687-7309 or visit a financial counselor at any Corewell Health hospital. A counselor can help determine which programs you may qualify for, including Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan.
Complete the Application
Download from corewellhealth.org/billing/financial-assistance or request by phone. The application is available in English and Spanish. Fill out completely and sign before submitting.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Online: Through MyChart
- Mail: Address provided on the application form
- In person: At any Corewell Health hospital financial counseling office
- Phone: Call 1-877-687-7309 for assistance
Follow Up
Call 1-877-687-7309 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. Collection actions should be paused while your application is under review.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Unsigned or missing documentation can result in denial. Double-check before submitting.
- Wrong website: Some old Beaumont links still work, but use corewellhealth.org/billing/financial-assistance for the current application.
- Skipping Medicaid screening: Uninsured patients may need to be screened for Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan (covers adults up to 138% FPL) before FA is determined.
- Assuming one application covers everything: Confirm with a counselor that your application covers all outstanding balances across Corewell facilities.
- Ignoring bills during review: Call to confirm your application is on file and that collections are paused while it is being processed.
Payment Plans (If You Don't Qualify for Full Assistance)
If your income is above 400% FPL or you have a remaining balance after financial assistance, Corewell Health offers several payment options:
Interest-Free Payment Plans
Corewell Health can work with you to create customized interest-free payment plans. Set up through MyChart or by calling the billing department.
Health Services Financing (HSF)
For larger balances (up to $50,000), Corewell partners with Commerce Bank to offer HSF accounts. Self-enroll and manage through the Commerce Bank portal.
Warning: Accounts without an established payment plan are subject to collections if not paid before the end of the billing cycle. Always set up a payment arrangement, even if you are waiting on a financial assistance decision. You can pay with debit cards, credit cards, checks, HSA, and FSA accounts.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Financial Assistance
Call 1-877-687-7309 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, unsigned application, or residency issues.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Make sure it is signed and fully filled out with all required attachments.
3. Explore Other Options
- Healthy Michigan Plan: Michigan's Medicaid expansion covers adults 19-64 with income up to 138% FPL (~$22,000/yr single)
- Payment plans: Interest-free plans and HSF financing are available for remaining balances
- Request an itemized bill: Review all charges for billing errors or duplicate charges
- Michigan Medicaid: Traditional Medicaid covers additional categories (children, pregnant women, disabled individuals)
- Priority Health options: If you need insurance, explore Priority Health plans during open enrollment
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Corewell Health bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
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Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Corewell Health financial assistance?
Michigan residents with household income at or below 250% FPL (~$39,900/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Patients with income between 250-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) receive sliding-scale discounts. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible for emergency and medically necessary services.
Is Corewell Health the same as Spectrum Health or Beaumont Health?
Yes. Spectrum Health (Grand Rapids, 14 hospitals) and Beaumont Health (Southeast Michigan, 8 hospitals) merged in February 2022 and rebranded as Corewell Health in October 2022. If you received care at any former Spectrum or Beaumont facility, you apply through Corewell Health's unified financial assistance program at corewellhealth.org/billing/financial-assistance.
Does Corewell Health cover insured patients?
Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients with household income 0-400% FPL are eligible. Insured patients can receive help with out-of-pocket costs including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after insurance processes the claim. This includes Priority Health members.
What is the Healthy Michigan Plan, and should I apply for that first?
The Healthy Michigan Plan is Michigan's Medicaid expansion program, covering adults ages 19-64 with income up to 138% FPL (~$22,000/yr single). If you are uninsured, Corewell may screen you for Medicaid eligibility before processing your financial assistance application. You can apply for both simultaneously.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 240 days from the date of your first post-discharge billing statement to submit a complete application. Do not wait until your bill goes to collections. Contact 1-877-687-7309 as soon as you receive a bill you cannot afford.
What if I have a Priority Health plan through Corewell?
Having Priority Health insurance does not disqualify you from hospital financial assistance. Priority Health is Corewell's insurance division, serving over 1.2 million Michigan members. If you have a Priority Health plan and still face high out-of-pocket costs, you can apply for financial assistance on the patient responsibility portion of your bill.
Can I apply after my bill goes to collections?
You should apply as soon as possible, ideally within 240 days of your first billing statement. Accounts without an established payment plan are subject to collections. If your bill has already been sent to collections, contact 1-877-687-7309 immediately to discuss your options.
Need Help with Your Corewell Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Corewell Health on your behalf. Whether you were treated at a former Beaumont or Spectrum hospital, we can help. 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 Corewell Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Corewell Health was formed from the 2022 merger of Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Corewell Health at 1-877-687-7309 or visit corewellhealth.org/billing/financial-assistance.