Nationwide Children's Hospital Financial Assistance: Free Care for Ohio Families (2026 Guide)
Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio provides financial assistance for families who cannot afford to pay for their child's medical care. Ohio residents with household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for free or reduced-cost care. The hospital also participates in Ohio's HCAP program, which covers hospital services at no cost for families below 100% FPL who are not eligible for Medicaid.
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Quick Facts
HCAP: 100% Free Hospital Care
Families below 100% FPL (roughly $15,960/yr for a single person) who are not Medicaid-eligible receive free hospital services through Ohio's HCAP program
Financial Assistance to 250% FPL
Ohio residents with income up to 250% FPL (~$39,900/yr single) qualify for the hospital's Financial Assistance Program with free or discounted care
Pediatric Specialty Hospital
One of the largest pediatric hospitals in the U.S., with locations across Central Ohio including the main campus at 700 Children's Drive, Columbus
240-Day Application Window
Under federal 501(r) rules, you have 240 days from your first billing statement to apply. 120-day moratorium on extraordinary collection actions.
Sliding Scale Fees Available
Nationwide Children's also offers sliding scale fees for some services (particularly at Primary Care Centers), allowing families to pay based on their income level rather than a fixed rate.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Family of 4) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 0-100% FPL (HCAP) | Up to ~$31,800/yr | 100% Free Hospital Care (Ohio HCAP) |
| 101-200% FPL | ~$31,801 - ~$63,600/yr | Significant Discount (Financial Assistance Program) |
| 201-250% FPL | ~$63,601 - ~$79,500/yr | Partial Discount (Financial Assistance Program) |
| Above 250% FPL | Above ~$79,500/yr | Not eligible for FA (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Ohio residency required: You must be an Ohio resident to qualify for the Financial Assistance Program and HCAP.
- All resources must be used first: You must apply to your local Department of Job and Family Services for Medicaid or other programs before financial assistance will be considered.
- Gross income: Eligibility is based on total gross income (before taxes) and the number of dependents in your family.
- Unusual circumstances: Families with unusual financial situations may receive further consideration beyond standard guidelines.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement under federal 501(r) rules.
- Financial assistance covers medically necessary hospital services.
Ohio HCAP (Hospital Care Assurance Program)
HCAP is Ohio's version of the federal Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. It provides free hospital services for qualifying patients at Nationwide Children's Hospital and other participating Ohio hospitals.
HCAP Eligibility Requirements
- Income below 100% FPL: Your household income must fall below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Not eligible for Medicaid: You must not qualify for Medicaid coverage
- Ohio resident: You must be a resident of the state of Ohio
- Hospital services only: HCAP covers the hospital bill only (not physician fees billed separately)
- Insurance billed first: If you have any insurance, it must be billed before HCAP covers the remaining balance
- Patient responsibility only: HCAP covers only the portion of the bill that is the patient's responsibility
Note: HCAP and Financial Assistance are separate programs. If you do not qualify for HCAP (because your income is above 100% FPL or you are Medicaid-eligible), you may still qualify for the broader Financial Assistance Program up to 250% FPL.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Pay stubs (3 months or 12 months prior to service, depending on the program)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment, child support)
- Documentation of all household income sources
- Self-employment records (if applicable)
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Ohio residency
- Proof of household size (birth certificates, school records)
- Copy of insurance card (if insured)
- Medicaid ID number (if active Medicaid recipient at time of service)
- Denial letter from Dept. of Job and Family Services (if applicable)
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Make sure every required field is filled out, the application is signed, and all supporting income documents are attached before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Apply for Medicaid and Government Programs First
Contact your local Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (or your county's office) to apply for Medicaid, Healthy Start, Healthy Families, or CHIP. Nationwide Children's requires that you exhaust other resources before financial assistance is considered. Financial Counselors at (614) 722-2070 can help with Medicaid applications.
Contact Financial Counselors
Call (614) 722-2070 to speak with a Financial Counselor. They can determine which programs you may qualify for, help with Medicaid applications, and provide you with the Financial Assistance Application form.
Gather Your Income Documentation
Collect pay stubs (3 or 12 months depending on the program), tax returns, benefit letters, and proof of household size. Include documentation for all income earners in your household.
Complete and Submit the Application
Fill out the Financial Assistance Application completely. Attach all income verification and supporting documents. Submit to Patient Financial Services at Nationwide Children's Hospital. You can also apply in person at the hospital.
Follow Up
Call (614) 722-2070 to confirm receipt and check the status of your application. Keep copies of everything you submit. If additional information is needed, respond promptly to avoid delays in processing.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Skipping Medicaid/government programs: You must apply for Medicaid and other assistance first. Financial assistance is a last resort.
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Missing documents, unsigned forms, or incomplete income information will delay or prevent approval.
- Not documenting all household members: Include income information for every adult in your household.
- Waiting too long: Contact Financial Counselors before or during your hospital stay if possible. Do not wait until collection notices arrive.
Struggling with Your Child's Hospital Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify errors, and negotiate with Nationwide Children's Hospital on your behalf. No upfront cost, and you only pay if we save you money.
Get Help with Your BillOther Programs for Families
Healthy Start and Healthy Families
Ohio offers free or low-cost health care coverage for families, children under age 19, and pregnant women through Healthy Start and Healthy Families programs. These are Medicaid-based programs administered through the Ohio Department of Medicaid.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
Ohio's CHIP program provides health coverage for uninsured children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Coverage includes hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions, and more.
Sliding Scale Fees (Primary Care)
Nationwide Children's Primary Care Centers offer sliding scale fees for qualifying families. The amount you pay is based on your family size and income. Contact (614) 722-2070 to ask about sliding scale availability for your child's services.
Ohio Billing Protections
Ohio law and the federal No Surprises Act protect patients from surprise out-of-network billing for emergency services. If your child received emergency care, you cannot be balance billed for out-of-network charges beyond your in-network cost-sharing amount. Learn more about your rights on our Ohio Medical Bill Rights page.
Payment Plans & Other Options
Even if you do not qualify for the Financial Assistance Program, Nationwide Children's offers several options to help manage your bill:
- Interest-free payment plans: Break your balance into manageable monthly installments. Contact Patient Accounts at (614) 722-2055 to arrange a plan.
- Online bill pay: Manage your account and make payments through the Nationwide Children's patient portal at nationwidechildrens.org.
- Prompt pay discount: Ask about discounts for paying your balance in full within a specified timeframe.
- Medicaid and CHIP screening: Financial Counselors at (614) 722-2070 can help determine if your child qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, which can cover current and sometimes retroactive charges.
- Request an itemized bill: Always review your itemized statement for errors. Billing mistakes are common, especially with complex pediatric care.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Understand the Reason
Call (614) 722-2070 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 250% FPL, incomplete documentation, not being an Ohio resident, or failure to apply for Medicaid or other government programs first.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your financial situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Families with unusual circumstances may receive further consideration.
3. Explore Payment Plans
If you do not qualify for financial assistance, ask about interest-free payment plans. Contact Patient Accounts at (614) 722-2055 to arrange monthly payments that fit your budget.
4. Other Options
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or duplicate billing
- Negotiate directly: Call billing and ask about reduced rates or a settlement offer
- Ohio Attorney General: File a complaint if you believe the hospital violated billing laws
- Good faith estimate disputes: If uninsured and your bill exceeds the estimate by $400+, dispute through the federal process
- Ohio medical bill rights: Review your Ohio patient protections
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your child's hospital bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Financial Counselors
Help with Medicaid applications and financial assistance
Patient Accounts
Billing questions, payment plans, and account inquiries
Hospital Address
Columbus, Ohio 43205
Tips for Contacting Financial Counselors
- Call before your child's scheduled visit if you know you will have difficulty paying
- Ask about all available programs (Medicaid, CHIP, Healthy Start, HCAP, and the FA Program)
- Request the application in your preferred language (Spanish and other translations are available)
- Ask for a written determination letter after your application is reviewed
- If you receive a bill while your application is pending, call to let them know
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Nationwide Children's Hospital financial assistance?
Ohio residents with household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$79,500/yr for a family of 4) qualify for the Financial Assistance Program. Families below 100% FPL who are not Medicaid-eligible may qualify for 100% free hospital care through Ohio's HCAP program.
What is Ohio HCAP and how does it work?
HCAP (Hospital Care Assurance Program) is Ohio's program for patients whose income falls below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level and who are not eligible for Medicaid. It covers hospital services at no cost to the patient. All insurance must be billed first, and HCAP covers only the patient's remaining responsibility.
Do I have to apply for Medicaid before I can get financial assistance?
Yes. Nationwide Children's requires patients to use all other resources first, including applying to the local Department of Job and Family Services for Medicaid, Healthy Start, Healthy Families, or CHIP. Financial Counselors at (614) 722-2070 can help you through the Medicaid application process.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will need proof of income (pay stubs for 3 or 12 months, tax returns, or benefit letters), a government-issued photo ID, proof of Ohio residency, proof of household size, and your insurance card or Medicaid ID if applicable. Income documentation must cover all earners in your household.
How long do I have to apply for financial assistance?
Under federal 501(r) rules, you have at least 240 days from the date of your first post-discharge billing statement to submit a complete application. The hospital cannot initiate extraordinary collection actions (wage garnishments, liens, credit reporting) for at least 120 days after your first billing statement.
Does financial assistance cover outpatient and primary care visits?
The Financial Assistance Program covers medically necessary hospital services. HCAP specifically applies to hospital bills only. For outpatient primary care, Nationwide Children's Primary Care Centers offer sliding scale fees based on family income. Contact (614) 722-2070 to ask about available discounts for your specific services.
What if I am not an Ohio resident?
Ohio residency is required for the Financial Assistance Program and HCAP. If you are from out of state and received emergency care at Nationwide Children's, contact Financial Counselors at (614) 722-2070 to discuss your options. You may still be eligible for payment plans or other assistance depending on your circumstances.
Can I apply if my child already received care?
Yes. You can apply for financial assistance after your child has received care and been billed. Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement. It is always better to apply sooner rather than later. If you are already receiving collection notices, contact (614) 722-2070 immediately.
Know Your Ohio Medical Bill Rights
Ohio has specific laws protecting patients from unfair billing practices, including surprise billing protections, charity care requirements for nonprofit hospitals, and debt collection limitations. Understanding your rights can help you fight unfair charges.
Read the Ohio Medical Bill Rights GuideNeed Help with Your Nationwide Children's Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Nationwide Children's Hospital 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 Nationwide Children's Hospital financial assistance policies as of 2026 (policy effective 01/01/2026). Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Nationwide Children's Hospital at (614) 722-2070 or visit nationwidechildrens.org.