CareRoute Logo
CareRoute

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

Jefferson Health offers 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $66,000 a year for a family of four) and discounted care up to 500% FPL. Here is who qualifies, what you need, and how to apply.

Updated June 2026

Jefferson Health 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 200% FPL; discounted care applies up to 500% FPL.

Household sizeFree care if income is at or below (200% FPL)Discounted care up to (500% FPL)
1 person$31,920$79,800
2 people$43,280$108,200
3 people$54,640$136,600
4 people$66,000$165,000
5 people$77,360$193,400
6 people$88,720$221,800

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

What Jefferson Health Offers

Free care

100% of the bill at or below 200% FPL. 100% free care at or below 200% FPL, subject to liquid-asset limits ($7,500 individual / $15,000 family).

Discounted care

Up to 500% FPL, as a reduced, Medicare-equivalent amount.

Hardship / catastrophic

Medical-indigence provision: patient responsibility at or above twice liquid assets.

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: DE, NJ, or PA (other states/foreign only for emergent care)..
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 Jefferson Health 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 Jefferson Health's own program, such as limits on collections, credit reporting, and wage garnishment.

See all Pennsylvania medical bill rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jefferson Health offer financial assistance or charity care?
Yes. Jefferson Health provides 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus discounted care up to 500% FPL (a reduced, Medicare-equivalent amount).
What is the income limit for free care at Jefferson Health?
Free care is available at or below 200% FPL. For a family of four in 2026 that is about $66,000 per year. See the income table above for other household sizes. Income above that may still qualify for discounted care up to 500% FPL.
How do I apply for Jefferson Health 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.
What if my bill is unaffordable even above the income limit?
Jefferson Health has a hardship provision. Medical-indigence provision: patient responsibility at or above twice liquid assets.
Can CareRoute help with a Jefferson Health 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 Jefferson Health's published financial assistance policy and may change. This page is informational and not financial or legal advice. Confirm current terms with Jefferson Health's financial assistance office before applying.