Gundersen Health System Financial Assistance: Free Care Under 200% FPL + Sliding Scale to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Gundersen Health System (now part of Emplify Health) operates 7 hospitals and 65+ clinics across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. They offer 100% free care for households under 200% FPL and sliding scale discounts up to 400% FPL. However, Gundersen has an aggressive collections history, including suing its own employees. Wisconsin protects 80% of disposable earnings from garnishment.
Quick Eligibility Snapshot
Free Care: Under 200% FPL
100% write-off for households at or below 200% FPL. Family of 4: up to ~$62,400/year (2025 guidelines). Assets must be below 600% FPL.
Sliding Scale: 201-400% FPL
201-225% = 80% off, 226-250% = 60% off, 251-275% = 40% off, 276-400% = 20% off eligible charges.
6-Month Retroactive + 6-Month Forward
Once approved, assistance covers bills from 6 months prior AND remains valid for 6 months forward on new services.
Collections Warning: RED
165 lawsuits in 2020. Sued own employees. 100% default judgments. Average judgment: $4,781. Apply early to avoid litigation.
Who Qualifies for Financial Assistance?
Income and Asset-Based Eligibility (Policy GL-2555)
- 200% FPL or below: 100% free care (full write-off of eligible charges)
- 201-225% FPL: 80% discount on eligible charges
- 226-250% FPL: 60% discount on eligible charges
- 251-275% FPL: 40% discount on eligible charges
- 276-400% FPL: 20% discount on eligible charges
- Asset test: Household assets must be below 600% FPL to qualify at any tier
- Covers medically necessary services at all Gundersen facilities
- Both uninsured and underinsured patients may qualify
Important: Emplify Health Merger (Bellin Health)
Gundersen merged with Bellin Health in December 2022 to form Emplify Health. However, financial assistance policies currently remain SEPARATE between Gundersen and Bellin locations. If you received care at a Gundersen facility, use this Gundersen FAP. Bellin facilities have their own separate policy and application.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Determine if your household income falls at or below 400% FPL AND your household assets are below 600% FPL. Both tests must be met.
Get the Application
Download from gundersenhealth.org, access through MyChart, or call Financial Counseling at (608) 775-3122 to request a paper copy by mail.
Gather Documents
Collect proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), proof of household size, and documentation of assets (bank statements, investment accounts).
Submit
Submit by mail, in person at any Gundersen facility, or through MyChart. Call (608) 775-8660 or toll-free (800) 362-9567 ext 58660 for assistance.
Get Retroactive and Forward Coverage
If approved, assistance is applied retroactively to all eligible accounts from the prior 6 months. Your eligibility also remains valid for 6 months forward on new services without reapplying.
Pro Tips
- Dollar For will help for free: The nonprofit dollarfor.org specifically helps patients with hospital FA applications at no cost.
- Apply BEFORE collections: Given Gundersen's aggressive lawsuit history, do not delay. Apply as soon as you receive a bill you cannot pay.
- MyChart is fastest: Submitting through MyChart provides the quickest processing and a digital record of your submission.
- Asset test matters: Even if your income qualifies, assets above 600% FPL will disqualify you. Plan accordingly.
Wisconsin State Protections for Medical Debt
Most Gundersen patients are Wisconsin residents. Wisconsin provides some of the strongest wage garnishment protections in the country. Multi-state patients (MN/IA) may have different protections depending on where they live and where a lawsuit is filed.
80% Wage Protection
Wisconsin exempts 80% of disposable earnings from garnishment. Only 20% of your paycheck can be taken, even with a court judgment. This is one of the strongest protections nationwide.
6-Year SOL
Wisconsin has a 6-year statute of limitations for written contracts (medical debt). After 6 years without payment or lawsuit, the debt is time-barred and cannot be collected through the courts.
Homestead Exemption
Wisconsin provides a $75,000 homestead exemption ($150,000 for married couples) protecting home equity from medical debt judgments. Your home cannot be forced into sale up to these amounts.
Multi-State Patients (MN and IA)
Gundersen serves patients across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Which state's laws protect you depends on where you live and where any lawsuit is filed. Minnesota and Iowa have different garnishment limits, homestead exemptions, and statutes of limitations. If you live in MN or IA, research your state's specific protections.
BadgerCare Plus (Wisconsin Medicaid)
Before applying for Gundersen's FAP, check if you qualify for BadgerCare Plus. Wisconsin's Medicaid program covers adults up to 100% FPL and children/pregnant individuals at higher thresholds. BadgerCare can retroactively cover bills up to 3 months prior to your application date.
Learn more: See our Wisconsin Medical Bill Rights Guide for a complete overview of state protections.
Covered Facilities
Gundersen Health System Hospitals (7 Total)
Plus 65+ clinics across the WI/MN/IA tri-state area. Financial assistance applies to all Gundersen-operated facilities.
Bellin Health Facilities Are Separate
Although Gundersen and Bellin Health merged under Emplify Health, their financial assistance programs remain separate. If you received care at a Bellin facility (Green Bay area), you need Bellin's separate FAP application. This page covers Gundersen locations only.
Collections Policy
AGGRESSIVE Collections History (Red Warning)
Gundersen Health System has one of the most aggressive collections records among nonprofit hospitals. They filed 165 lawsuits in 2020 alone (down 75% from 2017-2019 levels, suggesting even higher lawsuit volumes in prior years). Most concerning: 100% of sued patients had no attorney representation, resulting in 100% default judgments. Gundersen was also reported to have sued its own employees for unpaid medical bills, prompting SEIU protests and a La Crosse Independent investigation.
Lawsuit Statistics
- 165 lawsuits filed in 2020 (down 75% from 2017-2019 average)
- 100% of defendants unrepresented by attorneys
- 100% default judgments (patients did not respond to lawsuits)
- Average judgment: $4,781
- Sued own employees for medical debt (confirmed by SEIU, La Crosse Independent)
What This Means for You
- Apply for FA immediately: Do not wait. Gundersen will escalate to litigation.
- Respond to any lawsuit: 100% default judgments means every sued patient ignored the court papers. If you respond, you have leverage to negotiate.
- Wisconsin wage protection: Even with a judgment, only 20% of disposable earnings can be garnished
- Get legal help: Legal Action of Wisconsin (legalaction.org) provides free representation for low-income patients
Wisconsin Protections Against Collections
- 80% wage protection: Only 20% of disposable earnings can be garnished
- $75K/$150K homestead: Home equity protected up to $75K (single) or $150K (married)
- 6-year SOL: After 6 years without payment or lawsuit, debt is time-barred
- Judgment lasts 20 years: If they do get a judgment, it can be enforced for 20 years in Wisconsin
Already in collections? Read our full 7-step collections playbook for strategies to resolve medical debt, dispute errors, and negotiate settlements.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Check the Asset Test
The most common denial reason is exceeding the 600% FPL asset threshold. If your income qualifies but assets are too high, ask whether retirement accounts or primary residence equity are excluded from the calculation.
2. Request Reconsideration
If denied for missing documents, ask what specific items are needed. If your financial situation has changed since your tax return (job loss, divorce, medical emergency), provide updated documentation of current circumstances.
3. Negotiate a Payment Plan
Even if denied FA, request an interest-free payment plan. Given Gundersen's lawsuit history, they may prefer a payment arrangement over the cost of litigation. Get any agreement in writing.
4. Get Free Help
- Dollar For (dollarfor.org): Free nonprofit advocacy for hospital FA applications
- Legal Action of Wisconsin: Free legal help for low-income patients facing lawsuits
- BadgerCare Plus: Wisconsin Medicaid may retroactively cover bills up to 3 months prior
- ABC for Health (Madison): Free health benefits counseling for Wisconsin residents
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Gundersen bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Financial Assistance
Phone: (608) 775-8660
Toll-free: (800) 362-9567 ext 58660
Financial Counselor: (608) 775-3122
Policy Number: GL-2555
Online Resources
Application available through MyChart portal or as paper download from the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gundersen the same as Emplify Health?
Yes. Gundersen Health System merged with Bellin Health in December 2022 to form Emplify Health. However, financial assistance policies remain separate between Gundersen and Bellin locations. If you received care at a Gundersen facility (La Crosse, Hillsboro, Whitehall, Friendship, Wabasha, West Union, or Boscobel), this is the correct FAP.
What is the asset test?
In addition to the income test, Gundersen requires that household assets be below 600% of the Federal Poverty Level. This includes savings, investments, and other liquid assets. This is an additional hurdle not found at all hospital systems.
Can I apply after my bill goes to collections?
Yes. Federal 501(r) regulations require Gundersen to accept and process applications for 240 days after the first billing statement. If approved, the hospital must recall the account from collections and apply the write-off. Given Gundersen's aggressive lawsuit history, apply as early as possible.
I live in Minnesota/Iowa. Do Wisconsin protections apply to me?
It depends on where you live and where any lawsuit is filed. If Gundersen sues you in Wisconsin (where the hospital is located), Wisconsin procedural rules apply. But your state's exemptions (garnishment, homestead) typically protect you based on where you reside. Consult legal aid in your home state for specific guidance.
Will Gundersen really sue me?
Based on public records, yes. Gundersen filed 165 lawsuits in 2020 and significantly more in prior years (2017-2019). They have sued for amounts as low as a few thousand dollars. They even sued their own employees. Take any billing communication seriously and apply for financial assistance immediately if you cannot pay.
Related Resources
Need Help with Your Gundersen Health System Bill?
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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 Gundersen Health System financial assistance policies (GL-2555) and Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa state law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Gundersen at gundersenhealth.org or by calling (608) 775-8660.