Mass General Brigham Financial Assistance: Free Care at 300% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Mass General Brigham (formerly Partners HealthCare) offers free care for patients with income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and sliding-scale discounts up to 400% FPL. As the largest and most expensive hospital system in Massachusetts, MGB covers all member hospitals including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's, Newton-Wellesley, Faulkner, Salem Hospital, and more. Massachusetts residents may also qualify through the state's Health Safety Net program.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Patients at 0-300% FPL (single: up to ~$47,880/yr) qualify for free medically necessary care through MGB's Financial Assistance Program
Sliding Scale to 400% FPL
Patients between 301-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) receive partial discounts on a sliding scale
12+ Hospitals Covered
Includes Mass General, Brigham and Women's, Newton-Wellesley, Faulkner, Salem Hospital, Cooley Dickinson, and community hospitals
Formerly Partners HealthCare
Rebranded in 2019. Same system, same FA policy. If your bill says "Partners," MGB's financial assistance still applies.
Covers Insured Patients Too
Both insured and uninsured patients with qualifying income are eligible. Insured patients can get help with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. The uninsured patient discount policy provides additional reductions for those without coverage.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Program & Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-150% FPL | Up to ~$23,940/yr | MGB FA + Health Safety Net: 100% Free Care (no deductible) |
| 151-300% FPL | ~$23,941 - ~$47,880/yr | MGB FA: 100% Free Care; HSN: with deductible |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | MGB FA: partial discount (sliding scale) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (0% interest payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients with qualifying income are eligible.
- Uninsured patients also receive an automatic uninsured patient discount on medically necessary services.
- You must provide proof of income and a copy of your most recent federal or state tax return.
- MGB will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- The Massachusetts Health Safety Net provides an additional layer of coverage (see below).
- Financial assistance applies to medically necessary services only, not elective procedures.
Massachusetts Health Safety Net (HSN)
The Health Safety Net is a Massachusetts state program that pays for certain health services at acute care hospitals and community health centers for uninsured and underinsured residents. All MGB hospitals participate. HSN works alongside MGB's own financial assistance program.
HSN Eligibility Tiers
- 0-150% FPL: May qualify for HSN with no deductible (services paid in full)
- 150.1-300% FPL: May qualify for HSN with an annual deductible and percentage of office visit charges
- HSN Secondary: If you have private insurance, HSN may pay for services your insurance does not cover
- Must be a Massachusetts resident
- Covers services at acute care hospitals and community health centers only
HSN Funding Crisis
The Health Safety Net fund is facing record shortfalls. For fiscal 2024, state officials anticipated a $197 million shortfall, and the fiscal 2025 shortfall is projected at $290 million or more. This means hospitals like MGB are absorbing hundreds of millions in unreimbursed care. In fiscal 2024 alone, MGB absorbed $868 million in Medicaid and HSN shortfalls. This financial pressure makes it even more important for patients to apply for all available assistance programs.
To check HSN eligibility, contact MassHealth at 1-800-841-2900 or apply through the Massachusetts Health Connector at mahealthconnector.org.
Struggling with a Mass General Brigham Bill?
MGB is the most expensive hospital system in Massachusetts. If you received a large bill from Mass General, Brigham and Women's, or any MGB hospital, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your charges, identify errors, and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillMass General Brigham Hospitals
Flagship Academic Medical Centers (Boston)
Community & Regional Hospitals
Rehabilitation & Specialty
MGB also operates numerous outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and physician offices across Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Financial assistance policies apply system-wide.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal or state tax return
- Recent pay stubs (typically 2-3 months)
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Proof of any other household income
- Documentation for all household members
Other Documentation
- Proof of Massachusetts residency
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Hospital account number or billing statement
- Documentation of medical expenses (if claiming hardship)
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Make sure all fields are filled in, required documents are attached, and the application is signed before submitting. If you have not heard back within 30 days, call (617) 726-3884 to follow up.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Free care for income at 0-300% FPL (~$47,880/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts for 301-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Also check Massachusetts Health Safety Net eligibility at mahealthconnector.org.
Contact Patient Billing Solutions
Call (617) 726-3884 (Mon-Wed and Fri 8am-4:30pm, Thu 9am-4:30pm) or email patientbilling@partners.org. A financial counselor can assess your situation and determine which programs fit best.
Complete the Application
Download from massgeneralbrigham.org/patient-information/financial-assistance or request by phone. The application is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and other languages. Fill out completely with household income and family size.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail: Patient Financial Services at the MGB hospital where you received care
- In person: Financial counseling office at any MGB hospital
- Phone: Call (617) 726-3884 for guidance on submission
Follow Up
If you have not heard within 30 days, call (617) 726-3884 to check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. You can also check billing status through Patient Gateway (MyChart) at patientgateway.massgeneralbrigham.org.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Not applying at all: Many patients assume they will not qualify, but 300% FPL is higher than most expect (~$47,880 single, ~$99,000 family of 4).
- Incomplete application: Missing documents or unsigned forms will delay or prevent approval.
- Ignoring bills: You have 25 days from billing to respond. Contact Patient Billing Solutions immediately if you cannot pay.
- Not applying for Health Safety Net: HSN is a separate state program that provides additional coverage. Apply for both.
- Forgetting physician bills: Hospital and physician charges may be billed separately. Ask about FA coverage for all providers.
What Patients Should Know About MGB Costs
Most Expensive System in Massachusetts
Mass General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital are the most expensive hospitals in Massachusetts, according to the state's Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA). Average payments for major outpatient surgery at these hospitals are nearly twice as high as at the state's lowest-cost hospitals. This means your out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, coinsurance) will likely be higher at MGB than at other systems.
State-Ordered Cost Controls
In 2022, the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission ordered MGB to develop a performance improvement plan to slow its cost growth. This was believed to be the first time in the country a hospital was ordered to develop a plan to control costs. MGB agreed to reduce costs by $176.3 million over 18 months.
Controversial Expansion Plans
MGB has faced significant opposition over plans to expand suburban ambulatory care centers. The Health Policy Commission found the expansion would likely drive patients to the higher-cost MGB system and away from lower-cost community providers, increasing healthcare spending by up to $30 million for commercially insured patients. MGB withdrew some expansion plans in 2022 after community backlash.
Credit Reporting and Collections
MGB's policy states they "generally do not" report patient debt to credit bureaus, but the policy does not prohibit it in specific cases. Massachusetts law requires a 180-day waiting period before medical debt can appear on credit reports. If you are contacted by a collection agency about an MGB bill, you still have the right to apply for financial assistance.
$14.6 Million Surgery Billing Settlement
Massachusetts General Hospital paid $14.6 million in 2022 to settle a federal lawsuit alleging it billed government insurers for surgeries performed by unsupervised trainees during "double-booked" operations. Combined with two earlier settlements, MGH paid $32.7 million over overlapping surgery claims. As part of the settlement, surgeons at all MGB hospitals must now inform patients about concurrent surgery plans.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Patient Billing Solutions
Call (617) 726-3884 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, or missing signatures.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Make sure it is fully completed and signed.
3. Explore Other Options
- Massachusetts Health Safety Net: Apply separately through MassHealth (1-800-841-2900) if income is at or below 300% FPL
- MassHealth/Medicaid: Covers residents up to 138% FPL (apply at mahealthconnector.org)
- ConnectorCare: Subsidized health plans for residents up to 300% FPL through the MA Health Connector
- 0% interest payment plans: MGB offers flexible monthly payment plans through Patient Gateway
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for billing errors or inflated charges
- Medical hardship: You may qualify if medical expenses exceed a percentage of family income, even above 400% FPL
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Mass General Brigham bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost. MGB's high prices mean there is often significant room for negotiation.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Billing Solutions
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thu: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Response within 3 business days
Hospital-Specific Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Mass General Brigham financial assistance?
Massachusetts residents with household income at or below 300% FPL (~$47,880/yr single) qualify for free care. Patients between 301-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) receive sliding-scale discounts. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. You may also qualify through the Massachusetts Health Safety Net program.
Is Mass General Brigham the same as Partners HealthCare?
Yes. Partners HealthCare rebranded as Mass General Brigham in 2019. The system was originally founded in 1994 as a partnership between Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital. All financial assistance policies carry over under the new name. If your bills still reference "Partners," the same FA program applies.
What is the Massachusetts Health Safety Net?
The Health Safety Net (HSN) is a state program that pays for certain health services at hospitals and community health centers for uninsured and underinsured Massachusetts residents. Patients at 0-150% FPL may qualify with no deductible. Those at 150-300% FPL may qualify with an annual deductible. HSN works alongside MGB's own financial assistance.
Why are MGB bills so high?
Mass General Brigham is the most expensive hospital system in Massachusetts. Average payments for major outpatient surgery at Mass General and Brigham and Women's are nearly double what lower-cost hospitals charge. The state Health Policy Commission ordered MGB to develop a cost-reduction plan in 2022. This makes financial assistance and bill negotiation especially important for MGB patients.
Will MGB report my unpaid bill to credit bureaus?
MGB's policy states they "generally do not" report patient debt to credit bureaus, though the policy does not rule it out entirely. Massachusetts law provides additional protections: medical debt cannot appear on credit reports until 180 days after being reported, giving patients time to apply for assistance or set up a payment plan.
Does MGB offer payment plans?
Yes. MGB offers 0% interest monthly payment plans for patients who do not qualify for full financial assistance. You can set up a plan through Patient Gateway (MyChart) or by calling (617) 726-3884. Bills are due within 25 days of receipt, but a payment plan can prevent collection activity.
Need Help with Your Mass General Brigham Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Mass General Brigham on your behalf. As the most expensive system in Massachusetts, MGB bills often have significant room for reduction. 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 Mass General Brigham financial assistance policies and Massachusetts state programs as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with MGB at (617) 726-3884 or visit massgeneralbrigham.org.