Johns Hopkins Financial Assistance (Charity Care): Complete 2026 Guide

Johns Hopkins Medicine offers 100% free care for patients at or below 200% FPL and sliding scale discounts up to 300% FPL across 6 hospitals in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Florida. Maryland law provides some of the strongest patient financial protections in the country, including a 180-day collections moratorium and interest-free payment plans.

Our Bill Defense team can apply for financial assistance on your behalf, follow up with the hospital, provide any additional documentation they request, and find other ways to reduce your bill (billing errors, insurance disputes, negotiation). You pay $0 unless we save you money.

Eligibility Other ways to qualify Documents How to apply Contacts If denied FAQ

Quick Facts

Free Care ≤200% FPL

100% free for qualifying patients (~$31,920/yr single, ~$66,000/yr family of 4)

Sliding Scale 201–300% FPL

35–75% discount on charges based on income

240-Day Application Window

180-day collections moratorium under Maryland law

1-855-662-3017

Customer Service (toll-free)

Johns Hopkins Hospitals & Locations

The Financial Assistance Policy covers 6 Johns Hopkins hospitals across three states. Each facility has financial counselors available to help with applications.

Maryland

The Johns Hopkins HospitalBaltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical CenterBaltimore, MD

Howard County General HospitalColumbia, MD

Suburban HospitalBethesda, MD

Washington, D.C.

Sibley Memorial HospitalWashington, DC (DC-specific regulations apply)

Florida

Johns Hopkins All Children's HospitalSt. Petersburg, FL (free care ≤200% FPL, discounts to 400% FPL)

Note: Some physicians who practice at Johns Hopkins may bill separately and may not be covered by the hospital's Financial Assistance Policy. Always confirm provider coverage when applying.

Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)

Johns Hopkins uses Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines to determine eligibility. Maryland law requires all acute care hospitals to provide free care at or below 200% FPL.

Income Level	Single	Family of 4	Benefit
≤200% FPL	Up to $31,920/yr	Up to $66,000/yr	100% free care
201–300% FPL	$31,921–$47,880/yr	$66,001–$99,000/yr	35–75% discount (sliding scale)
301–400% FPL*	$47,881–$63,840/yr	$99,001–$132,000/yr	Medical Financial Hardship*
401–500% FPL*	$63,841–$79,800/yr	$132,001–$165,000/yr	25% discount (if hardship applies)*

2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Add $5,680 per additional family member.

*Medical Financial Hardship (301–500% FPL):

To qualify at 301–500% FPL, your medical debt for medically necessary care over a 12-month period must exceed 25% of your family income.

Other Important Notes:

• Liquid asset limit: You must have less than $100,000 in liquid assets (cash, savings, stocks, bonds, CDs)
• Covers emergency and medically necessary care only
• Insured patients can apply (Maryland law requires it)
• You may be asked to apply for Medicaid or other government programs first
• Assistance is available regardless of immigration status

Additional Ways to Qualify

Presumptive Eligibility

Some patients may be presumed eligible for financial assistance without completing a full application. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, WIC, SNAP/Food Stamps, or are experiencing homelessness, you may qualify automatically. The hospital can also use third-party data to determine eligibility.

Insured & Underinsured Patients

You can apply even if you have insurance. Financial assistance covers the remaining balance after insurance pays its portion. For patients under 200% FPL, co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles are included in the assistance. Maryland law explicitly requires hospitals to assist insured patients who qualify based on income.

Interest-Free Payment Plans

If you qualify for reduced-cost care (200–500% FPL), Maryland law requires the hospital to offer an interest-free payment plan capped at 5% of your adjusted gross monthly income. Self-pay patients are never charged interest on unpaid balances before a court judgment. Call 1-855-662-3017 to set up a plan.

180-Day Collections Protection

Under Maryland law, Johns Hopkins cannot pursue collections, sell your debt, or report to credit bureaus for at least 180 days after the initial billing statement. This gives you time to apply for financial assistance before any collections activity begins.

Required Documents Checklist

Income Verification

Pay stubs or tax returns (Form 1040, Schedule C if self-employed)
If unemployed: statement from the Office of Unemployment Insurance
Medicaid Notice of Determination (if you applied for Medicaid)

Assets & Accounts

Bank statements (checking, savings, investment accounts)

Identity & Household

Government-issued photo ID
Proof of residence
Insurance information (or proof of uninsured status)
Household member information (names, ages, relationships)

Submit copies, not originals. The application is available in 11 languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Download the Application

Get the Financial Assistance Application from the Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available in 11 languages. You can also request a copy by calling 1-855-662-3017 or ask a Financial Counselor at any facility.

5 minutes

Gather Documents

Collect all required documents from the checklist above. Having everything ready before you start prevents delays.

15 minutes

Complete the Application

Fill out all sections completely, including all household members and income sources. Include all account balances for liquid asset verification.

20 minutes

Submit Your Application

Email to FinancialAssistance@jhmi.edu, fax to 443-769-1250, or mail to Johns Hopkins Hospital, 3910 Keswick Road, Suite S-5100, ATTN: Financial Assistance Liaison, Baltimore, MD 21211. You can also deliver in person at any Johns Hopkins facility.

5 minutes

Follow Up

Call Customer Service at 1-855-662-3017 or the Financial Assistance Representative at 443-997-3067 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) to confirm receipt and check status.

Ongoing

Tips for a Smooth Application

✓ Apply Within 240 Days

You have 240 days from your first billing statement to submit. The hospital must consider applications within this window, even if the bill has gone to collections.

✓ You Have 180 Days Before Collections

Maryland law prohibits collections, debt sales, and credit bureau reporting for 180 days after the initial bill. Use this time to apply.

✓ Send Complete Documentation

Missing documents are the most common reason applications are delayed. Include everything on the checklist and document all liquid assets.

✓ Keep Copies

Save copies of everything you submit, including email confirmations or fax receipts.

Contacts & Official Links

Customer Service (Toll-Free)

Local: 443-997-3370

Financial Assistance Representative

Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Submit Application

In-Person Assistance

Financial counselors are available at every Johns Hopkins hospital. Ask to speak with a Financial Counselor during your visit or contact the facility directly.

Official Resources

Financial Assistance & Payment Plans Page →Financial Assistance Application (PDF) →Plain Language Summary (PDF) →Full Financial Assistance Policy (PDF) →

What If You Are Denied?

You Have the Right to Appeal

Johns Hopkins must provide a written determination letter explaining the decision. The letter includes instructions for appealing. Review the reason carefully, as common denial reasons include income above thresholds, liquid assets exceeding $100,000, or missing documents.

Maryland Attorney General Can Help

The Maryland Attorney General's Health Education and Advocacy Unit (HEAU) is available to help you file and mediate an appeal at no charge. This is a state resource specifically for patients who have been denied hospital financial assistance.

Phone: 410-528-1840 or 1-877-261-8807 (toll-free)

HEAU Website →

Other Options

• Interest-free payment plans (capped at 5% of monthly income for 200–500% FPL)
• Request an itemized bill to verify charges
• Check if you qualify under Medical Financial Hardship (bills >25% of income)
• Submit additional documentation and request reconsideration

Denied or need more help? If your financial assistance application is denied, or your bill has other issues beyond charity care (billing errors, insurance underpayment), CareRoute's Bill Defense team can appeal the denial, identify additional savings, and handle all communications with the hospital on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for Johns Hopkins financial assistance?

Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/year single) qualify for 100% free care. Those between 201–300% FPL receive 35–75% sliding scale discounts. Patients at 301–500% FPL may qualify under Medical Financial Hardship if medical debt exceeds 25% of family income. Liquid assets must be under $100,000.

Can I apply if I have insurance?

Yes. Maryland law explicitly requires hospitals to provide financial assistance to insured patients who qualify. Assistance applies to the remaining balance after insurance pays. For patients under 200% FPL, even co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles are covered.

Can I apply after my bill goes to collections?

Yes. You have 240 days from your first billing statement to apply, even if the account has been sent to collections. Under Maryland law, the hospital cannot pursue collections, sell your debt, or report to credit bureaus for at least 180 days after the initial bill.

Does Johns Hopkins charge interest on unpaid balances?

No. Self-pay patients are not charged interest on unpaid balances before a court judgment. For patients between 200–500% FPL, Maryland law requires interest-free payment plans capped at 5% of your adjusted gross monthly income. Call 1-855-662-3017 to set up a plan.

Which hospitals are covered?

The policy covers The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore), Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (Baltimore), Howard County General Hospital (Columbia, MD), Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, MD), Sibley Memorial Hospital (Washington, DC), and Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital (St. Petersburg, FL). Some physicians may bill separately.

What is the liquid asset limit?

You must have less than $100,000 in liquid assets to qualify. Liquid assets include cash, checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, CDs, mutual funds, and life insurance cash surrender values. Retirement accounts (401k, IRA) and your primary home are typically not counted.

Next Steps

Get Professional Medical Bill Negotiation Help

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Browse Other Hospital Programs

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Related Resources:

All Hospital Financial Assistance Programs•Medical Bill Reduction Guide•Medical Bill Negotiation Service

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 Johns Hopkins Medicine.CareRoute is not affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Health System, or Johns Hopkins University.