Henry Ford Health Financial Assistance: Free Care at 250% FPL + Sliding-Scale Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Henry Ford Health is a major nonprofit health system based in Detroit, Michigan, operating 5 hospitals and over 250 outpatient sites. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Henry Ford is required to offer financial assistance under federal 501(r) rules. Patients with household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for 100% free charity care, and sliding-scale discounts extend to 400% FPL. Both uninsured and underinsured patients are eligible. Henry Ford recently merged with several former Ascension Michigan hospitals, expanding its network.
Quick Eligibility Summary
100% Free Care
Household income at 0-250% FPL (single: up to ~$39,900/yr) qualifies for full charity care
Sliding Scale to 400% FPL
Discounts for income between 250-400% FPL (~$39,900 to ~$63,840/yr single)
5 Hospitals + 250 Outpatient Sites
Detroit-based system serving southeast Michigan, including former Ascension Michigan facilities
Geographic Requirement
Must live within 5-mile radius of a facility OR in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, or Jackson county
Uninsured AND Underinsured Patients Eligible
Unlike some systems that only cover uninsured patients, Henry Ford Health extends financial assistance to underinsured patients as well. If you have insurance but still cannot afford your out-of-pocket costs, you may qualify.
Who Qualifies for Henry Ford Health Financial Assistance?
- Patients with household income at or below 250% FPL receive 100% charity care (free care)
- Patients with income between 250-400% FPL receive sliding-scale discounts
- Both uninsured and underinsured patients are eligible
- Applies to emergency and medically necessary care
- Geographic requirement: Must live within 5-mile radius of a Henry Ford facility OR in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, or Jackson county
- Henry Ford will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients
The Geographic Requirement (Important)
Henry Ford Health requires patients to meet a geographic eligibility criterion in addition to income requirements. This is different from many health systems that do not have location restrictions.
You Must Meet ONE of These Conditions:
- Option A: Live within a 5-mile radius of any Henry Ford Health facility (hospital or outpatient site)
- Option B: Reside in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, or Jackson county in Michigan
With 250+ outpatient sites across southeast Michigan, many patients in the Detroit metro area will meet the 5-mile radius requirement even if they do not live in one of the named counties. If you are unsure whether you qualify geographically, call (313) 874-7800 and ask.
Covered Facilities
Henry Ford Health Hospitals
Former Ascension Michigan Facilities
Henry Ford Health merged with several former Ascension Michigan hospitals. Locations previously known as St. John, Providence, and related facilities in Southfield, Novi, Warren, and Madison Heights now operate under Henry Ford Health. Financial assistance at these locations follows Henry Ford Health policies.
In addition to hospitals, Henry Ford Health operates 250+ outpatient sites across southeast Michigan, including urgent care centers, medical offices, and specialty clinics. Financial assistance applies to services at these locations as well.
Income Guidelines (2026 Federal Poverty Levels)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-250% FPL | Up to ~$39,900/yr | 100% Free Care (Charity Care) |
| 251-300% FPL | ~$39,901 - ~$47,880/yr | Sliding-scale discount |
| 301-350% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$55,860/yr | Sliding-scale discount |
| 351-400% FPL | ~$55,861 - ~$63,840/yr | Sliding-scale discount |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (may still qualify for payment plan) |
Important Notes
- Income thresholds are based on household size and gross income. A family of 4 at 250% FPL is approximately $78,750/yr.
- The 250% FPL threshold for full free care is generous compared to many systems (some only offer free care at 200% FPL).
- You must also meet the geographic requirement (5-mile radius or named counties).
- Michigan has strong charity care requirements for nonprofit hospitals under state law.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Verify Geographic Eligibility
Confirm you live within a 5-mile radius of any Henry Ford Health facility OR in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, or Jackson county. If unsure, call (313) 874-7800 to ask.
Check Income Eligibility
100% free care at 0-250% FPL. Sliding-scale discounts at 250-400% FPL. Use the FPL table above to estimate where your household falls.
Gather Required Documents
Collect proof of income, proof of address (to demonstrate geographic eligibility), photo ID, and insurance information if applicable.
Complete and Submit the Application
You can submit by:
- Online: Through henryford.com financial assistance portal
- In person: At a Henry Ford Health financial counseling office
- By phone: Call (313) 874-7800 for main facilities or (877) 809-6191 for former St. John/Providence locations
- By mail: To the address listed on the application form
Follow Up
Contact Henry Ford Health to confirm receipt and check your application status. Keep copies of everything you submit, including the application and all supporting documents.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income documentation
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement)
- Proof of household size
- Insurance information (if applicable)
Interest-Free Payment Plans
If you do not qualify for full charity care or still have a remaining balance after financial assistance is applied, Henry Ford Health offers interest-free payment plans.
- Interest-free: Henry Ford Health payment plans do not charge interest on outstanding balances
- Flexible terms: Monthly payments based on your ability to pay
- Available to all patients: Even patients above 400% FPL who do not qualify for charity care can access payment plans
- Set up by phone or in person: Contact the billing office at (313) 874-7800 to arrange a plan
- No extraordinary collection actions while a payment plan is active and payments are current
Michigan context: Michigan has strong protections for patients at nonprofit hospitals. Henry Ford Health cannot send your account to collections or take legal action while you are on an active payment plan and making agreed-upon payments.
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Start Your Free Case ReviewIf Your Application Is Denied
A denial is not the end of the road. Here is what to do if Henry Ford Health denies your financial assistance application:
Request the denial reason in writing
You are entitled to know why you were denied. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, geographic ineligibility, or income above 400% FPL.
Address the specific reason
If denied for incomplete documentation, gather the missing items and resubmit. If denied for geographic reasons, provide additional proof of address.
Appeal the decision
You have the right to appeal. Submit a written appeal with any additional supporting documentation.
Request a payment plan
Even if you do not qualify for charity care, Henry Ford offers interest-free payment plans. Ask about this option.
Know your Michigan rights
Michigan has strong charity care requirements for nonprofit hospitals. If you believe Henry Ford is not complying with its obligations, you can file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General or the IRS (Form 13909).
Contact Information
Main Henry Ford Health
For Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit), Macomb, West Bloomfield, Wyandotte, and Jackson locations.
Former Ascension/St. John Locations
For Providence, Southfield, Novi, Warren, and Madison Heights locations (formerly Ascension Michigan).
Official Resources
Visit the official page for the most current application forms, policy documents, and plain language summaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Henry Ford Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 250% FPL (~$39,900/yr single) qualify for 100% free charity care. Income between 250-400% FPL receives sliding-scale discounts. Both uninsured and underinsured patients are eligible. You must also meet the geographic requirement (5-mile radius or named counties).
What is the geographic requirement?
You must live within a 5-mile radius of any Henry Ford Health facility (hospital or outpatient site) OR reside in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, or Jackson county in Michigan. With 250+ outpatient sites, most residents of southeast Michigan will meet this requirement.
Can underinsured patients apply?
Yes. Henry Ford Health extends financial assistance to both uninsured and underinsured patients. If you have insurance but still cannot afford your copays, deductibles, or coinsurance, you may qualify for assistance on the out-of-pocket portion.
Are former Ascension Michigan hospitals covered?
Yes. Henry Ford Health merged with several former Ascension Michigan hospitals. Locations previously under the Ascension brand (St. John, Providence, and facilities in Southfield, Novi, Warren, and Madison Heights) now follow Henry Ford Health financial assistance policies. Call (877) 809-6191 for these locations.
Does Henry Ford Health offer interest-free payment plans?
Yes. Interest-free payment plans are available for patients who do not qualify for full charity care or who have a remaining balance after assistance is applied. Even patients above 400% FPL can access payment plans. Call (313) 874-7800 to set one up.
What if I am denied financial assistance?
Request the denial reason in writing. Common reasons include incomplete documentation or not meeting the geographic requirement. You can reapply with additional documentation or appeal. Even if denied for charity care, you can still request an interest-free payment plan.
How generous is Henry Ford Health compared to other systems?
Henry Ford Health's 250% FPL threshold for 100% free care is generous compared to many health systems (some only offer free care at 200% FPL). The sliding scale extending to 400% FPL is also in line with best practices. The main caveat is the geographic requirement, which some other systems do not have.
Does Michigan law provide additional protections?
Yes. Michigan has strong charity care requirements for nonprofit hospitals. State law reinforces federal 501(r) requirements and provides additional consumer protections against aggressive medical debt collection. See our Michigan Medical Bill Rights guide for details.
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Start Your Free Case ReviewRelated Resources
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available Henry Ford Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Henry Ford Health or visit henryford.com.