LCMC Health Financial Assistance: Free Care at 250% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
LCMC Health is the dominant hospital system in New Orleans, operating six hospitals that serve the greater metro area. Their financial assistance policy offers 100% free care for patients with household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), plus sliding-scale discounts up to 400% FPL. One application covers all six facilities: University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC), Touro Infirmary, Children's Hospital New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, and New Orleans East Hospital.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Patients at 0-250% FPL (single: up to ~$39,900/yr) receive a full 100% waiver on eligible hospital charges
Sliding Scale to 400% FPL
Patients between 251-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) may receive partial discounts on a sliding scale
6 Hospitals, One Application
UMC, Touro, Children's Hospital, West Jefferson, East Jefferson, and New Orleans East Hospital all covered
240-Day Application Window
From your first post-discharge billing statement. No extraordinary collection actions during this period.
Covers Insured Patients Too
Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. For insured patients, financial assistance applies to your out-of-pocket portion (deductibles, copays, coinsurance). Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid screening first.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-250% FPL | Up to ~$39,900/yr | 100% Free Care |
| 251-300% FPL | ~$39,901 - ~$47,880/yr | Sliding-scale discount (partial) |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | Sliding-scale discount (reduced) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible for financial assistance.
- You must be a Louisiana resident to qualify.
- Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid and government assistance screening before FA is determined.
- LCMC will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Financial assistance applies to hospital charges only, not independent physician services billed separately.
- Apply within 240 days of your first post-discharge billing statement.
- The 250% FPL free-care threshold is more generous than many Louisiana systems (Ochsner offers free care at 200% FPL).
All 6 LCMC Health Hospitals Covered
University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC)
2000 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
New Orleans' Level 1 trauma center and the successor to the historic Charity Hospital. UMC is the safety-net hospital for the region, affiliated with LSU Health and Tulane University School of Medicine. Opened in 2015 to replace the original Charity Hospital that closed after Hurricane Katrina. Handles the highest volume of uninsured and Medicaid patients in the metro area.
Touro Infirmary
1401 Foucher Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
Founded in 1852, Touro is one of the oldest hospitals in the South and a fixture of Uptown New Orleans. It provides a full range of medical services including maternity, cardiac, and cancer care. Despite its long history as a private community hospital, Touro participates fully in LCMC's system-wide financial assistance program at the same 250% FPL threshold.
Children's Hospital New Orleans (Manning Children's)
200 Henry Clay Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118
The only freestanding pediatric hospital in Louisiana, serving children from across the Gulf South. Renamed Manning Children's Hospital in 2024 after a major donation from the Manning family. If your child received care here, the same LCMC financial assistance application covers their bills. Pediatric bills can be especially high, so apply promptly.
West Jefferson Medical Center
1101 Medical Center Boulevard, Marrero, LA 70072
Serving the West Bank of Jefferson Parish, West Jefferson is a full-service community hospital. Originally a public parish hospital before joining LCMC in 2015. Financial counselors are available at 504-349-1740. West Jefferson uses the same LCMC financial assistance policy and application.
East Jefferson General Hospital
4200 Houma Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70006
A major hospital in Metairie and East Jefferson Parish. Joined LCMC in 2020. In 2024, East Jefferson absorbed Tulane Medical Center's services and staff after LCMC acquired those hospitals from HCA Healthcare. A new 54-bed emergency department opened in 2025. Financial services can be reached at 504-454-4040.
New Orleans East Hospital
5620 Read Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70127
Opened in 2014, this is the first hospital built in New Orleans East since Hurricane Katrina devastated the area in 2005. It serves a diverse community with a large Vietnamese American population. Financial assistance materials are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Contact financial counseling at 504-962-7000.
LCMC Also Acquired Tulane Hospitals
In 2023, LCMC purchased Tulane Medical Center, Lakeview Regional Medical Center, and Tulane Lakeside Hospital from HCA Healthcare for $150 million. Tulane Medical Center's services have been integrated into East Jefferson General Hospital and UMC. If you have an outstanding bill from one of these facilities, contact LCMC at 504-702-4862 to ask about financial assistance eligibility for those charges.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- 30 consecutive days of pay stubs from each income earner in the household
- If multiple employers in a calendar year, proof of gross income from each employer with employment dates
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment, worker's compensation)
- Self-employment records (if applicable)
Other Documentation
- Proof of Louisiana residency
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Documentation of family/household size
- Medicaid denial letter (if applicable)
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing. LCMC specifically requires 30 consecutive days of pay stubs (not just one or two). Make sure every required field is filled out, the application is signed, and all supporting documents are included before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care at 0-250% FPL (~$39,900/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts for 251-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). You must be a Louisiana resident. Both insured and uninsured patients can apply.
Contact Financial Counseling
Call LCMC Health Customer Service at 504-702-4862, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can also visit a financial counselor in person at any LCMC hospital. Ask about Medicaid eligibility first if you are uninsured.
Complete the Application
Download from lcmchealth.org, pick up at any LCMC hospital, or request by phone. The application is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Fill out completely with household income details and family size.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- In person: Financial counseling office at any LCMC hospital
- Mail: Send completed application with documentation to the address on the form
- Email: LCMC-CustomerService@LCMCHealth.org
Follow Up
Call 504-702-4862 to confirm receipt and check status. Financial assistance can be applied retroactively to unpaid bills for eligible services. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first post-discharge billing statement.
- Not enough pay stubs: LCMC requires 30 consecutive days of pay stubs, not just your most recent one.
- Skipping Medicaid screening: Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid screening before FA is finalized.
- Thinking it only covers UMC: One application covers all six LCMC hospitals. Ask your counselor to include all outstanding balances.
- Ignoring physician bills: FA covers hospital charges only. Doctors who bill separately may have their own assistance programs.
Struggling with an LCMC Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your LCMC medical bills, identify errors or overcharges, and negotiate directly with LCMC on your behalf. There is no upfront cost, and you only pay if we save you money.
Get Help with Your LCMC BillLouisiana Patient Protections You Should Know
3-Year Statute of Limitations on Medical Debt
Louisiana courts classify medical bills as "open accounts" under Louisiana Civil Code. This means the statute of limitations for medical debt collection is 3 years from the date of last payment or last account activity. After 3 years, collectors cannot sue you for the debt. If a collector contacts you about time-barred debt, they must disclose that the statute has expired.
Louisiana Medicaid Expansion (Since 2016)
Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, covering adults up to 138% FPL. If your income is below 138% FPL and you are uninsured, you may qualify for Louisiana Medicaid, which would cover your hospital bills entirely. LCMC requires uninsured patients to go through Medicaid screening before processing financial assistance. Apply for Medicaid at healthy.la.gov.
Federal 501(r) Protections
As a nonprofit health system, LCMC Health must comply with IRS Section 501(r) rules. This means they cannot pursue extraordinary collection actions (lawsuits, wage garnishments, credit reporting) for at least 240 days after the first billing statement. They must also make reasonable efforts to determine if you are eligible for financial assistance before any collection activity.
Payment Plans & Other Options
If you do not qualify for full financial assistance or still have a remaining balance after a partial discount, LCMC offers several options:
Payment Plans
- Interest-free payment plans may be available
- Monthly installment options based on your balance
- Contact Patient Financial Services to set up a plan
- Pay online at lcmchealth.org/pay-my-bill
Additional Resources
- Louisiana Medicaid: Covers residents up to 138% FPL
- Marketplace insurance: Open enrollment or special enrollment periods at healthcare.gov
- Dollar For: Nonprofit that helps patients apply for charity care at dollarfor.org
- 211 Louisiana: Dial 211 for local assistance programs
What If You Are Denied?
1. Understand the Reason
Call 504-702-4862 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, missing Medicaid screening, or residency issues. Ask for the specific reason in writing.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. If you had a job loss, medical emergency, or other hardship since your last application, include proof of the change in circumstances.
3. Explore Other Options
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or duplicate billing
- Payment plans: LCMC offers financing options for remaining balances
- Louisiana Medicaid: Check eligibility at healthy.la.gov (covers residents up to 138% FPL)
- Dollar For: Free nonprofit that helps patients get charity care approved at dollarfor.org
- Louisiana Attorney General: File a complaint if you believe the hospital violated 501(r) rules
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your LCMC bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
LCMC Health Customer Service
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Hospital-Specific Numbers
Online Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for LCMC Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 250% FPL (~$39,900/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Those between 251-400% FPL may receive sliding-scale discounts. Both insured and uninsured Louisiana residents are eligible. Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid screening.
Does one application cover all LCMC hospitals?
Yes. A single financial assistance application covers all six LCMC Health hospitals: UMC, Touro Infirmary, Children's Hospital New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, and New Orleans East Hospital. Ask your financial counselor to include all outstanding LCMC balances.
Does LCMC cover insured patients?
Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. For insured patients, financial assistance applies to your out-of-pocket portion, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after insurance pays its share.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 240 days from the date of your first post-discharge billing statement. LCMC cannot pursue extraordinary collection actions during this window. Financial assistance can also be applied retroactively to unpaid bills for eligible services.
What is the statute of limitations on medical debt in Louisiana?
Louisiana courts treat medical bills as open accounts with a 3-year statute of limitations. After 3 years from your last payment or account activity, collectors cannot sue you for the debt. They must also disclose if the statute has expired when they contact you.
Is the application available in languages other than English?
Yes. LCMC provides financial assistance applications and plain-language policy summaries in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Contact 504-702-4862 to request materials in your preferred language.
What about bills from the old Tulane Medical Center?
LCMC acquired Tulane Medical Center, Lakeview Regional, and Tulane Lakeside Hospital from HCA Healthcare in 2023. If you have outstanding bills from these facilities, contact LCMC Customer Service at 504-702-4862 to ask about financial assistance eligibility for those charges.
Need Help with Your LCMC Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with LCMC Health on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Start Your Free Case ReviewThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available LCMC Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Financial assistance covers hospital charges only and may not apply to independently billed physician services. Always verify current requirements directly with LCMC Health at 504-702-4862 or visit lcmchealth.org.