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Independence Health System Financial Assistance: Income Limits and How to Apply (2026)

Independence Health System offers 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $82,500 a year for a family of four) and discounted care up to 350% FPL. Here is who qualifies, what you need, and how to apply.

Updated June 2026

Independence Health System 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 250% FPL; discounted care applies up to 350% FPL.

Household sizeFree care if income is at or below (250% FPL)Discounted care up to (350% FPL)
1 person$39,900$55,860
2 people$54,100$75,740
3 people$68,300$95,620
4 people$82,500$115,500
5 people$96,700$135,380
6 people$110,900$155,260

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

What Independence Health System Offers

Free care

100% of the bill at or below 250% FPL. 100% charity at income below 250% FPL; 75% flat discount from 250-350% FPL.

Discounted care

Up to 350% FPL, as a flat percentage discount.

Uninsured discount

Courtesy discount so uninsured are billed no more than AGB (varies by facility).

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: confirm with the financial assistance office.
Residency: no specific residency requirement stated.
Citizenship: not required (immigration status does not bar eligibility).
How to apply: Butler/Clarion (724) 431-2947; Excela (866) 322-0961.

Don't want to handle the application yourself?

CareRoute Bill Defense applies for financial assistance at Independence Health System 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

Pennsylvania also has medical-bill protections that may help beyond Independence Health System's own program, such as limits on collections, credit reporting, and wage garnishment.

See all Pennsylvania medical bill rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Independence Health System offer financial assistance or charity care?
Yes. Independence Health System provides 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus discounted care up to 350% FPL (a flat percentage discount). Uninsured patients also receive courtesy discount so uninsured are billed no more than AGB (varies by facility).
What is the income limit for free care at Independence Health System?
Free care is available at or below 250% FPL. For a family of four in 2026 that is about $82,500 per year. See the income table above for other household sizes. Income above that may still qualify for discounted care up to 350% FPL.
How do I apply for Independence Health System financial assistance?
Gather your income documents and a photo ID, then submit the hospital's financial assistance application. Butler/Clarion (724) 431-2947; Excela (866) 322-0961. Ask the billing or financial counseling office about the deadline to apply.
Can CareRoute help with a Independence Health System 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 Independence Health System's published financial assistance policy and may change. This page is informational and not financial or legal advice. Confirm current terms with Independence Health System's financial assistance office before applying.