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Hennepin Healthcare Financial Assistance: Income Limits and How to Apply (2026)

Hennepin Healthcare offers 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $99,000 a year for a family of four). Here is who qualifies, what you need, and how to apply.

Updated June 2026

Hennepin Healthcare Income Limits for Free Care

Your eligibility is based on household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. Free care applies at or below 300% FPL.

Household sizeFree care if income is at or below (300% FPL)
1 person$47,880
2 people$64,920
3 people$81,960
4 people$99,000
5 people$116,040
6 people$133,080

Income figures use 2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines and are rounded. Actual eligibility depends on the hospital's review of your application.

What Hennepin Healthcare Offers

Free care

100% of the bill at or below 300% FPL. Free care (uninsured) or 100% discount on patient responsibility (insured) at or below 300% FPL.

Uninsured discount

Automatic self-pay discount per the MN AG agreement (% not published).

How to Apply

What you will need

  • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefit award letters)
  • Proof of household size (tax return listing dependents, or similar)
  • Government-issued photo ID
Deadline: about 240 days from your billing date.
Residency: no specific residency requirement stated.
Citizenship: not required (immigration status does not bar eligibility).

Don't want to handle the application yourself?

CareRoute Bill Defense applies for financial assistance at Hennepin Healthcare on your behalf, negotiates with the hospital, and monitors your account to keep it out of collections. No upfront cost, and no fee unless we reduce your bill.

Get help with your bill

Minnesota also has medical-bill protections that may help beyond Hennepin Healthcare's own program, such as limits on collections, credit reporting, and wage garnishment.

See all Minnesota medical bill rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hennepin Healthcare offer financial assistance or charity care?
Yes. Hennepin Healthcare provides 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Uninsured patients also receive automatic self-pay discount per the MN AG agreement (% not published).
What is the income limit for free care at Hennepin Healthcare?
Free care is available at or below 300% FPL. For a family of four in 2026 that is about $99,000 per year. See the income table above for other household sizes.
How do I apply for Hennepin Healthcare financial assistance?
Gather your income documents and a photo ID, then submit the hospital's financial assistance application. You generally have about 240 days from your billing date to apply.
Can CareRoute help with a Hennepin Healthcare bill?
Yes. CareRoute Bill Defense applies for financial assistance on your behalf, negotiates with the hospital, and works to keep your account out of collections. There is no upfront cost and no fee unless we reduce your bill.

Related

Last updated: June 2026. Eligibility details are based on Hennepin Healthcare's published financial assistance policy and may change. This page is informational and not financial or legal advice. Confirm current terms with Hennepin Healthcare's financial assistance office before applying.