Emory Healthcare Financial Assistance: Free Care up to 225% FPL for Uninsured Patients (2026 Guide)
Emory Healthcare, Georgia's largest academic health system, offers 100% free care (charity care) for uninsured patients with income at or below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level and for underinsured patients at or below 200% FPL. The policy covers all 11 Emory hospitals across metro Atlanta and central Georgia, including Emory University Hospital (ranked #1 in Georgia), Emory Saint Joseph's, Emory Midtown, and more. Emory also automatically screens patients for eligibility through a third-party vendor.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care (Uninsured)
Uninsured patients at 0-225% FPL (single: up to ~$35,910/yr) receive a full 100% charity care adjustment
100% Free Care (Underinsured)
Underinsured patients at 0-200% FPL get a 100% charity discount on their self-pay balance after insurance pays
11 Hospitals Covered
Across metro Atlanta and central Georgia, plus 250+ provider locations and outpatient facilities
Automatic Screening
Emory automatically screens uninsured and underinsured patients for eligibility via a third-party vendor
35% Uninsured Discount Above 225% FPL
Uninsured patients with income above 225% FPL may still qualify for a 35% discount on gross charges when they set up a payment arrangement with Emory Healthcare.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Patient Type | Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Patients | 0-125% FPL | Up to ~$19,950/yr | 100% Free (Indigent Care) |
| Uninsured | 126-225% FPL | ~$19,951 - ~$35,910/yr | 100% Free (Charity Care) |
| Underinsured | 126-200% FPL | ~$19,951 - ~$31,920/yr | 100% of Self-Pay Portion |
| Uninsured | Above 225% FPL | Above ~$35,910/yr | 35% discount on gross charges (with payment plan) |
| Insured (above 200% FPL) | Above 200% FPL | Above ~$31,920/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Emory automatically screens uninsured and underinsured patients through a third-party vendor that estimates income from credit records. You should still apply directly to maximize your benefit.
- Indigent care (at or below 125% FPL) applies to both insured and uninsured patients.
- Charity care for uninsured patients extends to 225% FPL, and for underinsured patients extends to 200% FPL.
- The 35% uninsured discount requires setting up a payment arrangement with Emory Healthcare.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement. Emory must accept applications during this window.
- Emory will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
Why This Matters: Georgia's Healthcare Landscape
Georgia Has Not Fully Expanded Medicaid
Georgia is one of only 10 states that has not implemented full Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Instead, the state launched "Pathways to Coverage" in 2023, a limited waiver program with work requirements. By early 2025, only about 6,500 people had enrolled, far below the projected 64,000. Georgia's uninsured rate remains around 14%, one of the highest in the nation, with roughly 1.2 million residents lacking coverage.
This means Emory's financial assistance program is especially critical for Georgia residents who fall into the "coverage gap" (too much income for Medicaid, too little for marketplace subsidies).
Atlanta Medical Center Closure (2022)
When Wellstar closed Atlanta Medical Center in November 2022, it removed a major safety-net hospital from a community where 31% of residents live in poverty. Grady Memorial Hospital (Atlanta's remaining Level 1 trauma center and public safety-net hospital) saw an immediate surge in patients. Emory's ER volume rose roughly 20% as well. If you previously relied on Atlanta Medical Center, know that both Emory and Grady have financial assistance programs you should explore.
Emory and Grady: Connected but Separate
Emory physicians staff many departments at Grady Memorial Hospital, but the two systems have completely separate billing and financial assistance policies. If you received care at Grady, apply through Grady's program. If you received care at an Emory facility, apply through Emory's program. Getting a bill from "Emory" after a Grady visit (or vice versa) can happen because of this physician staffing overlap, so check each bill carefully.
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Get Help with Your Bill11 Hospitals Covered
Major Hospitals (Atlanta Metro)
Specialty & Other Hospitals
Recent Expansion: Houston Healthcare Merger (2025)
In June 2025, Houston Healthcare in Warner Robins (central Georgia) officially merged with Emory Healthcare, adding 282 beds across two hospital campuses and seven outpatient facilities. This extends Emory's reach well beyond metro Atlanta. If you receive care at the former Houston Healthcare facilities, verify whether Emory's financial assistance policy now applies to your bill.
Plus 250+ provider locations, clinics, and outpatient facilities across Georgia. The Emory Clinic is also covered.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- W-2 forms
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment, food stamps)
- Self-employment income documentation
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Proof of household size
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from insurance, if underinsured
- Any denial letters from Medicaid or other programs
Automatic screening note: Emory uses a third-party vendor to automatically estimate your income from credit records and other data. Even if you are auto-screened, submitting a full application with documentation can help ensure you receive the maximum discount you qualify for.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Uninsured at or below 225% FPL (~$35,910/yr single) = 100% free care. Underinsured at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) = 100% of self-pay waived. All patients at or below 125% FPL (~$19,950/yr single) = 100% indigent care.
Contact Emory Financial Services
Call Emory Customer Services at 404-778-7318 or Patient Access Services at 1-855-432-3080. You can also email emoryfinancialassistance@emoryhealthcare.org for questions about the application or policy.
Complete the Application
Apply through your MyChart account online, or request a paper application by phone. A representative can help you complete the form over the phone if needed.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- MyChart: Upload directly through the patient portal
- Mail: Gambrell Drive, Suite T203, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Fax: 404-778-2025
- Email: emoryfinancialassistance@emoryhealthcare.org
Follow Up
Call 404-778-7318 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. Emory must process your application within the 240-day window.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Relying on auto-screening alone: Emory's automated screening may underestimate your eligibility. Apply directly with documentation for the best result.
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Confusing Emory and Grady bills: Emory physicians work at Grady, so you may get separate Emory bills for care received at Grady. Each system has its own FA process.
- Not setting up a payment plan: The 35% uninsured discount (above 225% FPL) requires establishing a payment arrangement. Ask about CarePayment.
- Ignoring the bill: Emory can initiate extraordinary collection actions (including lawsuits and credit reporting) after 120 days. Respond early.
Payment Plans & CarePayment
CarePayment: 0% Interest for Life of Account
Emory Healthcare partners with CarePayment to offer 0.00% APR payment plans with no credit check required. A small $15 annual membership fee applies. You can combine multiple Emory charges into one account with one monthly payment. No application or credit check needed, and it does not affect your credit score.
Key Details
- Available regardless of employment, insurance, or credit history
- Manage your account online, on mobile, or with paper statements
- Automatic payment options available
- Can add additional approved charges while the account is in good standing
- Ask about CarePayment when you call 404-778-7318
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Emory Customer Services
Call 404-778-7318 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above the threshold, incomplete documentation, or issues with the automatic screening estimate.
2. Challenge the Auto-Screening Result
If Emory's third-party vendor estimated your income too high, submit a direct application with actual income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns). The auto-screening is an estimate and can be overridden with real proof.
3. Explore Other Options
- 35% uninsured discount: Even if denied full charity care, uninsured patients can get 35% off with a payment arrangement
- CarePayment: 0% interest plans available to all patients regardless of income
- Georgia Medicaid: Georgia Pathways covers some adults, and traditional Medicaid covers pregnant women, children, and disabled individuals
- Grady Health System: If you are very low-income, Grady Memorial Hospital is Atlanta's public safety-net hospital with its own charity care program
- Request an itemized bill: Review all charges for errors before paying
- Dollar For: Nonprofit that helps patients apply for charity care at nonprofit hospitals like Emory
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Emory bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillThings Most Patients Don't Know
Emory is a Tax-Exempt Nonprofit
Emory Healthcare operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which means it receives substantial tax benefits in exchange for providing community benefits like charity care. You are entitled to financial assistance as part of this obligation. Do not hesitate to apply.
The CDC Connection
Emory University Hospital sits right next to CDC headquarters on Clifton Road in Atlanta. In 1947, Emory sold the land to the CDC for $10. This proximity fuels world-class infectious disease research, but it also means Emory charges research-hospital prices. Always check your bill for errors and ask about financial assistance.
Emory Paid $1.5M to Settle False Claims Act Investigation
In a prior case, Emory University paid $1.5 million to settle allegations that it billed Medicare and Medicaid for services that clinical trial sponsors had agreed to pay. Separately, Emory's clinically integrated network paid over $1 million for alleged violations of the Civil Monetary Penalties Law. These settlements are worth noting: always request an itemized bill and verify every charge.
120-Day Collection Moratorium
As a nonprofit hospital, Emory cannot initiate extraordinary collection actions (lawsuits, wage garnishments, liens, or credit reporting) for at least 120 days after your first billing statement. In Georgia specifically, wage garnishment requires a court judgment. Use this window to apply for financial assistance.
Contact Information
Financial Assistance
Mail, Fax & Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Emory Healthcare financial assistance?
Uninsured patients with household income at or below 225% FPL (~$35,910/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Underinsured patients at or below 200% FPL qualify for 100% charity discount on their self-pay portion. All patients (insured or uninsured) at or below 125% FPL qualify for 100% indigent care.
Does Emory automatically screen patients for financial assistance?
Yes. Emory uses a third-party vendor to automatically estimate your income from credit records and other data. However, this is an estimate and may not reflect your actual situation. Submitting a direct application with documentation can result in a better outcome.
Can insured patients get help with their Emory bills?
Yes. Underinsured patients with income at or below 125% FPL qualify for 100% indigent care. Those at or below 200% FPL qualify for a 100% charity discount on the self-pay portion of their bill (after insurance pays). CarePayment 0% interest plans are also available to all patients.
What is the difference between Emory and Grady for financial assistance?
Grady Memorial Hospital is Atlanta's public safety-net hospital with its own financial assistance program. Emory is a private nonprofit academic health system. Emory physicians staff many Grady departments, but billing is completely separate. If you received care at Grady, apply through Grady. If billed by Emory, apply through Emory.
What if I am uninsured but above 225% FPL?
You may still qualify for a 35% discount on gross charges if you set up a payment arrangement with Emory Healthcare. Ask about CarePayment for a 0% interest plan. You can also request an itemized bill to review charges for errors.
How long do I have to apply?
Emory must accept and process financial assistance applications for at least 240 days from the date of your first post-discharge billing statement. They cannot initiate extraordinary collection actions (lawsuits, credit reporting, wage garnishment) for at least 120 days after the initial billing date.
Need Help with Your Emory Healthcare Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Emory Healthcare 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 Emory Healthcare financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Emory Healthcare at 404-778-7318 or visit emoryhealthcare.org. Emory Healthcare's financial assistance policy is separate from Grady Health System and other Atlanta-area hospitals.