Memorial Hermann Financial Assistance (Charity Care): Complete 2026 Guide
Memorial Hermann offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care across its Houston-area hospitals. This guide explains eligibility, required documents, and exactly how to submit the application.
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.
Quick Facts
Emergency & Medically Necessary Care
Assistance typically applies to qualifying hospital services
Income-Based Tiers
Free or discounted care based on income and circumstances
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement, even if sent to collections
713-338-5502
Customer Service (also 1-800-526-2121, option 5)
Memorial Hermann Houston-Area Hospitals
Memorial Hermann operates multiple hospitals and clinics across Greater Houston. Financial assistance details can vary by facility and provider group, so confirm the policy for the hospital listed on your statement.
Main Hospital Phone Numbers
Note: Some providers may bill separately and may not be covered by the hospital policy. Always confirm coverage and provider participation before submitting your application.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Memorial Hermann evaluates income, assets, household size, insurance status, and other circumstances. Based on their published policy summary, patients at or below 200% FPL may qualify for a 100% discount, and those above 200% FPL may qualify for a partial discount.
| Income Level | Single | Family of 4 | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | Up to ~$66,000/yr | 100% free care |
| Above 200% FPL | Above ~$31,920/yr | Above ~$66,000/yr | Partial discount (varies) |
Based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Memorial Hermann publishes exact income thresholds in Exhibit C of their Financial Assistance Program documents. Add ~$5,680 for each additional family member.
Important Notes:
- • You have 240 days from your first billing statement to apply, even if the bill has been sent to collections
- • Applicants are expected to apply for all possible insurance coverage, including Medicaid, when required
- • Some patients may qualify above standard income tiers due to hardship or high medical bills
- • Financial assistance applies to emergency and medically necessary care only
- • Eligibility is also based on assets, insurance status, and other factors beyond income
- • Memorial Hermann may review credit reports, property tax records, or other documents when determining eligibility
Additional Ways to Qualify
Presumptive Eligibility
Some facilities may use available information to preliminarily assess eligibility. If you appear eligible or ineligible for Medicaid, the hospital may proceed with financial assistance review without a full Medicaid application.
Special Circumstances & Hardship
If your situation includes recent job loss, disability, terminal illness, or other hardship, submit documentation. Hospitals can consider case-by-case factors beyond standard income guidelines.
Insured & Underinsured Patients
You may still qualify even if you have insurance. If benefits are exhausted, services are not covered, or your out-of-pocket costs are unaffordable, you can apply for assistance on the remaining balance.
Required Documents Checklist
Income Verification
- Most current federal income tax return (if filed)
- Last two employer pay stubs (if applicable)
- Written documentation for other income sources or benefits
Assets & Accounts
- Bank statements (last three months)
Household & Identity
- Proof of household size and residency
- Photo ID for the applicant or head of household
Required documents can vary by facility. Follow the checklist on your application and submit copies, not originals.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Identify Your Facility and Bill
Use your billing statement to confirm the exact facility and the financial assistance form you need.
5 minutes
Gather Documents
Collect the required documents from the checklist above. You can request a free paper copy of the application in Emergency Center and Registration Areas.
15 minutes
Submit Your Application
Complete the application and submit it by the method listed on your form (mail, fax, or email).
20 minutes
Complete Medicaid Screening if Required
Follow any instructions for Medicaid or other coverage screening.
Varies
Follow Up
Call Patient Financial Services to confirm receipt and ask about next steps.
Ongoing
Tips for a Smooth Application
✓ Use the Correct Form
Facilities may use different applications or addresses. Use the form linked to your bill.
✓ Send Complete Documentation
Missing documents are the most common reason applications are delayed.
✓ Apply Within the Deadline
Use the deadline listed on your statement or application to avoid collections.
✓ Keep Copies
Save copies of everything you submit, including any fax confirmations.
Collections Policy
Aggressive Collection Practices
Memorial Hermann has filed over 500 lawsuits against patients in Harris County civil courts over a 15+ year period. The system permits lawsuits, wage garnishment (post-judgment), liens, and credit reporting. Accounts may be placed with a collection agency as early as 120 days from the first billing statement.
Extraordinary Collection Actions
- Lawsuits: Memorial Hermann files suit against patients, often on "sworn account"
- Wage garnishment: Permitted after obtaining court judgment
- Liens: May place hospital liens against property in accident/injury cases (Texas Property Code)
- Credit reporting: Permitted, reports adverse information to credit bureaus
- Debt sales: Policy states they "retain ownership" of referred debt, suggesting assignment rather than sale
Texas State Protections
- Homestead protection: Texas has one of the strongest homestead exemptions in the U.S., with unlimited value protection for your primary residence
- Wage garnishment ban: Texas prohibits wage garnishment for most consumer debts, including medical bills (one of only four states with this protection)
- Statute of limitations: 4 years for written contracts in Texas
Important: Even though Memorial Hermann can sue, Texas law prevents them from garnishing wages or taking your home for medical debt.
Already in collections? Read our full 7-step collections playbook for strategies to negotiate, dispute, and resolve medical debt.
Contacts & Official Links
Customer Service / Financial Assistance
Request the Financial Information Form or ask for assistance
Mailing Address
Use the address on your application if it differs
Fax or Email
In-Person Assistance
Financial counselors are available at each hospital to help evaluate eligibility.
What If You Are Denied?
Review the Denial Letter
Memorial Hermann will send a written notice explaining the decision. Review the reason carefully. Common denial reasons include missing documents, income above thresholds, or incomplete Medicaid screening.
Request Reconsideration
Contact Patient Financial Services at 713-338-5502 to discuss the denial. If documents were missing or your circumstances have changed (job loss, new medical bills), provide updated information and ask them to reconsider.
Other Options If Denied
- • Ask about payment plans to spread costs over time
- • Request an itemized bill to check for billing errors
- • Ask about prompt-pay discounts for paying in full
- • Check if the provider bills separately and has their own assistance program
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 Memorial Hermann financial assistance?
What care is covered by Memorial Hermann financial assistance?
How do I apply?
Do I need to apply for Medicaid first?
Can I apply after my bill goes to collections?
Which locations are covered?
Next Steps
Related Resources:
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 Memorial Hermann.CareRoute is not affiliated with Memorial Hermann or Memorial Hermann Health System.