Mount Sinai Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Mount Sinai Health System provides 100% free care for uninsured patients earning up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, with sliding-scale discounts extending to 400% FPL. The policy covers all seven hospitals across New York City and Long Island, including The Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai West, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai Brooklyn, Mount Sinai Queens, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Mount Sinai South Nassau. New York State law adds powerful protections: medical debt cannot appear on your credit report, and hospitals cannot sue patients earning under 400% FPL.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL (single: up to ~$31,920/yr) pay nothing for emergency and medically necessary care
Sliding Scale to 400% FPL
Patients between 200-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) receive discounts based on a sliding fee schedule
7 Hospitals Covered
All Mount Sinai hospitals across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island (South Nassau)
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement. Mount Sinai cannot take legal action for 180 days.
No Credit Report Impact
NY law bans hospitals from reporting medical debt to credit bureaus. Your credit score is protected.
Underinsured Patients Eligible
If your medical bills exceed 10% of your annual income, you may qualify even with insurance.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | 100% Free Care (all charges waived) |
| 201-300% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$47,880/yr | Pay no more than 10% of what Medicaid would pay |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | Sliding-scale discount (Mount Sinai fee schedule) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Self-pay discounted rates (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both uninsured and underinsured patients may qualify. Underinsured means your medical bills exceeded 10% of your annual income in the past 12 months.
- You must be a New York State resident to qualify for non-emergency care discounts. Emergency care discounts apply to all patients.
- Immigration status does not matter. NY law prohibits hospitals from considering immigration status when evaluating financial assistance.
- There is no asset test for financial assistance at Mount Sinai.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- No nominal fee for OB and pediatric Level 1 eligible patients, per NY state law.
- Mount Sinai will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
New York State Patient Protections
New York has some of the strongest medical debt protections in the country. Several laws enacted in 2024 significantly expanded patient rights. These apply to all Mount Sinai hospitals.
Medical Debt Credit Reporting Ban
Medical debt cannot be reported to credit bureaus in New York. Hospitals and collection agencies are prohibited from including medical debt on your credit report. This means an unpaid Mount Sinai bill will never affect your credit score.
No Lawsuits Against Low-Income Patients
Hospitals cannot sue patients earning under 400% FPL. Before initiating any legal action, the hospital's CFO must provide a signed attestation confirming the patient's income exceeds 400% FPL.
No Wage Garnishment or Property Liens
Hospitals cannot garnish your wages, place liens on your property, or force the sale or foreclosure of your primary residence to collect medical debt.
Surprise Billing Protections
New York's surprise billing law (which predates and exceeds the federal No Surprises Act) protects patients from balance billing for emergency services and out-of-network care at in-network facilities.
Credit Card Payment Warning
Do not pay medical bills with a credit card. Under a 2024 NY law, medical bills paid by credit card are no longer classified as medical debt. This means you lose state and federal protections once you put the charge on a credit card.
Learn more about your rights: New York Medical Bill Rights Guide
7 Mount Sinai Hospitals Covered
Manhattan Hospitals
Outer Boroughs & Long Island
Beth Israel Closed (April 2025)
Mount Sinai Beth Israel on the Lower East Side permanently closed on April 9, 2025, after losing more than $1 billion over a decade. If you received care at Beth Israel before the closure and still have an outstanding bill, you may still be eligible for financial assistance. Contact Mount Sinai at 212-731-3100 to discuss your options.
Icahn School of Medicine Physician Billing
Physicians affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai may bill separately from the hospital. Physician bills are not always covered by the hospital's financial assistance policy. If you receive a separate bill from a Mount Sinai physician, ask whether they participate in the financial assistance program or negotiate directly.
Mount Sinai's Financial Situation: What Patients Should Know
Mount Sinai has faced significant financial turmoil in recent years. Understanding this context can help patients navigate the system more effectively.
Billion-Dollar Losses and Recovery
Mount Sinai reported a $265 million operating loss in 2024, with executives originally projecting losses of $420 million. Beth Israel alone lost over $1 billion in the decade leading up to its closure. In 2025, the system returned to a slim operating profit of $36.6 million on $12.8 billion in revenue (a 0.3% margin). Moody's downgraded Mount Sinai's debt in August 2024.
Beth Israel Closure
The closure of Beth Israel left the Lower East Side and East Village without a full-service hospital, continuing a pattern after St. Vincent's (2010) and Cabrini (2008). Mount Sinai replaced it with a 24/7 urgent care center, which critics argue is not an adequate substitute for emergency and inpatient services.
What This Means for Financial Assistance
Hospitals under financial pressure sometimes become more aggressive about billing and collections. While Mount Sinai is legally required to offer financial assistance under NY law, patients should apply proactively, keep documentation of all communications, and know their rights. A financially stressed hospital has more incentive (not less) to process your assistance application quickly, since charity care is partially offset by state indigent care pool funding.
Mount Sinai's Collection Practices
Mount Sinai's stated collection policy includes several protections, but patients should verify these are followed in practice:
- No debt sales: Mount Sinai states it will not sell patient debt to third parties.
- No credit reporting: Mount Sinai will not report medical debt to credit bureaus (also required by NY law).
- No lawsuits for 180 days: Mount Sinai cannot initiate legal action until at least 180 days from the first post-discharge billing statement.
- 30-day notice before collections: No account can be referred to a collection agency without 30 days written notice.
- Pause during FA review: No account will be placed with a collection agency while a financial assistance application is being processed.
- Medicaid-eligible patients protected: Patients eligible for Medicaid cannot be referred to collections.
Watch out: Mount Sinai settled a $2.95 million federal fraud case for delaying repayment of Medicaid overpayments by more than two years. The system also paid $5.3 million to settle a class action over sharing patient data with Facebook via tracking pixels. These cases suggest oversight is warranted. If you believe your rights are being violated, contact the NY Attorney General's Health Care Bureau.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal tax return with W-2s
- Pay stubs for the past 3 consecutive months
- Social Security benefit letters
- Unemployment or disability compensation papers
- Income info for all household members
Other Documentation
- Proof of New York State residency
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance cards (if applicable)
- Proof of household size/dependents
- Documentation of medical expenses (if applying as underinsured)
Important: Mount Sinai uses the NYS Uniform Hospital Financial Assistance Application. Incomplete applications will be denied. Make sure every field is filled out and the application is signed. You can apply before your appointment, when you arrive for care, or after you receive your bill.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care at 0-200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts at 200-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Underinsured patients whose medical bills exceed 10% of income may also qualify.
Contact Financial Services
Call 212-731-3100 or toll-free 866-682-9380 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). You can also ask your health care team for a social worker referral, which is the fastest path to a financial counseling appointment.
Complete the Application
Download the NYS Uniform Hospital Financial Assistance Application from mountsinai.org or request one by phone. Fill out completely and sign. You can apply before, during, or after receiving care.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- In person: Patient Financial Counseling at any Mount Sinai hospital
- Mail: The Mount Sinai Hospital, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029
Follow Up
Call 212-731-3100 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. If you do not hear back within 30 days, call again and document the conversation.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Unsigned or incomplete applications are denied. Double-check before submitting.
- Paying by credit card: Once you pay a medical bill with a credit card, it is no longer classified as medical debt under NY law. You lose legal protections.
- Ignoring physician bills: Hospital financial assistance may not cover separately billed physician services. Ask about each bill.
- Not requesting a social worker: The fastest way to get a financial counseling appointment is through a social worker referral. Ask your care team.
Struggling with a Mount Sinai Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your Mount Sinai bills, verify you are receiving the discounts you are entitled to, and negotiate on your behalf. No upfront cost, and we know New York's medical billing laws inside and out.
Get Help with Your BillPayment Plans
If you do not qualify for financial assistance (or have a remaining balance after discounts), Mount Sinai offers payment plan options:
- Interest-free payment plans are available for qualifying patients.
- Contact Patient Financial Services at 212-731-3100 to set up a plan.
- Under NY law, hospitals are limited in the interest rates they can charge on medical debt payment plans.
- Always negotiate your total balance before agreeing to a payment plan. Request an itemized bill first and check for errors.
Tip: Even if you earn above 400% FPL, all uninsured patients at Mount Sinai receive a self-pay discount off the full chargemaster rate. Ask about this discount before agreeing to any payment amount.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Financial Services
Call 212-731-3100 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, unsigned application, or residency issues.
2. Reapply with Complete Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Ensure it is signed and fully completed.
3. Apply as Underinsured
If you have insurance but your medical expenses in the past 12 months exceed 10% of your gross annual income, you may qualify as underinsured under NY law, even if your income is above 200% FPL.
4. Explore Other Options
- NY Medicaid: Covers residents up to 138% FPL (apply at nystateofhealth.ny.gov)
- Essential Plan: Low-cost coverage for NYers up to 200% FPL
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors before paying anything
- File a complaint: Contact the NY Attorney General or the NY Department of Health
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Mount Sinai bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Financial Services
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mail & In Person
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Mount Sinai financial assistance?
Uninsured patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Patients between 200-400% FPL receive sliding-scale discounts. Underinsured patients (medical bills exceeding 10% of income) may also qualify. Immigration status is not considered.
Can Mount Sinai report my medical debt to credit bureaus?
No. New York State law prohibits hospitals and collection agencies from reporting medical debt to credit bureaus. Mount Sinai also states it will not sell patient debt to third parties. Your credit score is protected regardless of whether you qualify for financial assistance.
Can Mount Sinai sue me for an unpaid bill?
If your income is under 400% FPL, hospitals in New York cannot initiate a lawsuit against you. The hospital's CFO must sign an attestation that your income exceeds 400% FPL before any legal action. Even above 400% FPL, Mount Sinai cannot file suit until at least 180 days after your first billing statement.
Does financial assistance cover physician bills?
Mount Sinai's financial assistance covers hospital facility charges and services provided by employed or contracted physicians. However, some physicians (particularly those affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine) may bill independently and may not participate in the hospital's FA program. Always ask about each bill separately.
What if I had a bill from Beth Israel before it closed?
Outstanding Beth Israel bills are still handled by Mount Sinai Health System. You can still apply for financial assistance on those bills. Contact Patient Financial Services at 212-731-3100 to discuss your options.
Should I pay my Mount Sinai bill with a credit card?
No. Under a 2024 New York law, medical bills paid by credit card are reclassified as credit card debt rather than medical debt. This means you lose state and federal medical debt protections. Pay by check, money order, or set up a payment plan directly with Mount Sinai instead.
Need Help with Your Mount Sinai Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Mount Sinai on your behalf. No upfront cost. We know New York's medical billing laws and will make sure you get every discount you are entitled to.
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 Mount Sinai Health System financial assistance policies and New York State law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Mount Sinai at 212-731-3100 or visit mountsinai.org. For your rights under New York law, see our New York Medical Bill Rights Guide.