Houston Methodist Financial Assistance (Charity Care): Complete 2026 Guide
Houston Methodist offers free care for patients at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and discounted care up to 500% FPL across 8 hospitals in Greater Houston. This guide covers eligibility tiers, required documents, and how to apply.
Need help with your application or bill? Our Bill Defense team can check your eligibility, handle the paperwork, and negotiate your bill — $0 unless we save you money.
Quick Facts
Free Care ≤200% FPL
100% free for qualifying patients at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level
Discounted Care 200–500% FPL
Charges capped at amounts generally billed to insured patients (AGB)
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement, even if sent to collections
832-667-5900
Financial Assistance Unit (toll-free: 877-493-3228)
Houston Methodist Hospitals
Houston Methodist operates 8 acute-care hospitals across Greater Houston. The Financial Assistance Policy applies to emergency and medically necessary care at these facilities.
Note: Some physicians who practice at Houston Methodist may bill separately and may not be covered by the hospital’s Financial Assistance Policy. Always confirm provider coverage when applying.
Eligibility & Income Limits
Houston Methodist uses Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines to determine eligibility. The program is available to patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or ineligible for a government program.
| Income Level | Benefit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ≤200% FPL | Free care | 100% discount on eligible services |
| 201–500% FPL | Discounted care | Charges will not exceed the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) — what insurers typically pay |
| >500% FPL | Catastrophic cap | Will never pay more than 10% of household income |
Important Notes:
- • Income limits are updated annually based on Federal Poverty Guidelines
- • Applicants may be required to apply for Medicaid or other government coverage first
- • Eligible patients are classified as financially indigent or medically indigent
- • Patients approved for charity care are not required to make advance payments before receiving emergency or medically necessary care
- • Covered services: emergency and medically necessary care. Excluded: elective cosmetic surgery, experimental procedures
Additional Ways to Qualify
Uninsured Discount
Self-pay patients automatically receive an uninsured discount on eligible services (excluding elective cosmetic and facility-designated self-pay flat rate procedures). This discount brings charges closer to what insured patients pay.
Interest-Free Payment Plans
Houston Methodist offers interest-free payment plans of up to 18 months for patients who do not qualify for full financial assistance but cannot pay their balance in full.
Insured & Underinsured Patients
You may still qualify even if you have insurance. If your benefits are exhausted, services are not covered, or your out-of-pocket costs are unaffordable, you can apply for assistance on the remaining balance.
Required Documents Checklist
Income Verification
- Paycheck stubs (most recent)
- Most recent federal income tax return
- Social Security statements or other benefit letters
Assets & Accounts
- Bank statements (past 3 months)
Household & Identity
- Proof of residency (driver’s license or state ID)
- Documentation of marital status
- List of all dependents living at home
Submit copies, not originals. Return all requested documents within 30 days to avoid processing delays.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Download the Application
Get the Financial Assistance application from the Houston Methodist policies page. Available in 18 languages including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic.
5 minutes
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents from the checklist above. Having everything ready before you start prevents delays.
15 minutes
Complete and Submit
Fill out the application completely and submit by mail (701 S. Fry Road, Katy, TX 77450, Attn: Financial Assistance Unit), fax (832-667-5995), or in person at any Houston Methodist Patient Access desk.
20 minutes
Complete Medicaid Screening if Required
You may be asked to apply for Medicaid or other government programs. Follow any instructions from the Financial Assistance Unit.
Varies
Follow Up
Call the Financial Assistance Unit at 832-667-5900 to confirm receipt and check status. Return any additional requested documents within 30 days.
Ongoing
Tips for a Smooth Application
✓ Apply Within 240 Days
You have 240 days from your first billing statement to submit. Houston Methodist must consider applications within this window, even if the bill has gone to collections.
✓ Send Complete Documentation
Missing documents are the most common reason applications are delayed. Include everything on the checklist.
✓ Request a Billing Hold
Ask the Financial Assistance Unit to place a hold on your account while your application is being reviewed to prevent collections activity.
✓ Keep Copies
Save copies of everything you submit, including fax confirmations or email receipts.
Contacts & Official Links
Financial Assistance Unit
Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat 8am–12pm
Mailing Address
Fax
In-Person Assistance
Return the completed application to any Patient Access team member at any Houston Methodist facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Houston Methodist financial assistance?
What care is covered?
How long do I have to apply?
Does Houston Methodist offer payment plans?
Can I apply if I have insurance?
Next Steps
Related Resources:
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Eligibility requirements and processes may change. Always confirm current policies directly with Houston Methodist.CareRoute is not affiliated with Houston Methodist or Houston Methodist Hospital System.