Northwell Health Financial Assistance: Free Care at 0-200% FPL + Discounts to 500% FPL (2026 Guide)
Northwell Health is the largest health system in New York State, with 21 hospitals and over 56 clinics across Long Island, New York City, and Westchester. Under a landmark 2024 agreement with the NY Attorney General, Northwell offers free care for patients earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level and sliding-scale discounts up to 500% FPL. Both uninsured and underinsured patients are eligible, and New York's strong consumer protections ban medical debt from appearing on your credit report.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Patients at 0-200% FPL (single: up to ~$31,920/yr) receive completely free hospital and clinic care
Discounts to 500% FPL
Sliding-scale discounts for income 201-500% FPL (~$75,300/yr single), based on Medicaid rates
21 Hospitals + 56 Clinics
Across Long Island, all five NYC boroughs, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley
NY Credit Report Protection
New York law bans medical debt from appearing on your credit report
Covers Insured and Uninsured Patients
Both uninsured and underinsured patients with income 0-500% FPL are eligible. Underinsured patients can get help with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after insurance pays its portion.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | 100% Free Care |
| 201-300% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$47,880/yr | Pay 5-10% of Medicaid rate (uninsured) or up to 10% of cost-sharing (underinsured) |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | Pay 10-20% of Medicaid rate (uninsured) or up to 20% of cost-sharing (underinsured) |
| 401-500% FPL | ~$63,841 - ~$75,300/yr | Pay 100% of Medicaid rate (well below standard charges) |
| Above 500% FPL | Above ~$75,300/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both uninsured and underinsured patients with income 0-500% FPL are eligible.
- Discounts are based on Medicaid reimbursement rates, which are far below standard hospital charges.
- A family of four earning up to $156,000/yr may qualify for discounts.
- Northwell will never charge FA-eligible patients more than amounts generally billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Under the 2024 AG agreement, Northwell dedicated a Medical Debt Ombudsperson to assist patients.
- Applications are available in multiple languages.
New York State Patient Protections
New York has some of the strongest medical debt protections in the country. These protections apply in addition to Northwell's own financial assistance program.
Medical Debt Credit Report Ban
New York law prohibits medical debt from being reported to credit bureaus. Hospitals and providers cannot report medical debt directly or indirectly to consumer reporting agencies. This does not apply to medical bills voluntarily placed on a general credit card.
Protection from Lawsuits and Liens
New York prohibits hospitals from suing patients with incomes below 400% FPL for medical debt. The state also bans wage garnishment and property liens as means of medical debt collection.
Surprise Billing Protections
The federal No Surprises Act and New York state law protect patients from unexpected out-of-network bills for emergency services, and from balance billing when you receive care at an in-network facility from an out-of-network provider.
Interest Rate Caps
New York law limits maximum interest rates on consumer debt, including medical debt. If you place medical bills on a credit card, you must acknowledge you are foregoing certain protections.
Learn more about your rights: New York Medical Bill Rights
Struggling with a Northwell Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings, and negotiate with Northwell on your behalf. No upfront cost. We know New York's patient protection laws and can help you take full advantage of them.
Get Help with Your Bill21 Hospitals Covered (NYC Metro, Long Island, Westchester)
Manhattan
Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk Counties)
Staten Island & Westchester
Plus 56 outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and ambulatory surgery centers across the New York metro area.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (last 4 weeks)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Proof of any other income sources
- Self-employment documentation if applicable
Other Documentation
- Proof of New York residency
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from insurer
- Household size documentation
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Make sure every required field is completed and all supporting documents are included. You can apply online for the fastest turnaround.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Free care for income 0-200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts for 201-500% FPL (~$75,300/yr single, ~$156,000/yr family of 4). Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible.
Contact the Financial Assistance Unit
Call (800) 995-5727 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or visit northwell.edu/assistance to start your application online. You can also request help from Northwell's Medical Debt Ombudsperson.
Complete the Application
Fill out the NYS Uniform Hospital Financial Assistance Application. You can apply online (fastest), by phone, or by downloading and mailing the form. Applications are available in multiple languages including Spanish.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Online: northwell.edu/assistance (fastest option)
- Phone: (800) 995-5727
- Mail: Northwell Health Financial Assistance Unit, PO Box 9001, Melville, NY 11747-9001
Follow Up
Call (800) 995-5727 to confirm receipt and check status. If you have issues, contact the Medical Debt Ombudsperson. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing documentation: Incomplete applications are delayed. Include all required income verification and ID.
- Not applying: Many patients who qualify never apply. If you received a large bill, check your eligibility.
- Ignoring the bill: Even with NY protections, communicate with Northwell. Apply for FA rather than ignoring bills.
- Putting bills on a credit card: New York's medical debt protections do not apply once you voluntarily place the balance on a credit card.
- Not asking about Medicaid: If you are uninsured, ask about Medicaid eligibility first. NY Medicaid covers individuals up to 138% FPL.
Payment Plans
If you do not qualify for financial assistance, or if you have a remaining balance after FA is applied, Northwell Health offers payment plan options.
- Interest-free payment plans are available for qualifying patients
- Monthly payment amounts are based on your ability to pay
- Contact the billing office at (888) 214-4065 to set up a plan
- You can also manage payments online through your Northwell account
Even if your income is above 500% FPL, always ask about payment plans and discounts for prompt payment. Northwell may offer uninsured patient discounts separate from the formal FA program.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact the Medical Debt Ombudsperson
Northwell's dedicated Medical Debt Ombudsperson can help review your denial and identify next steps. This position was created under the 2024 NY Attorney General agreement.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Common denial reasons include missing paperwork or income above the threshold.
3. Explore Other Options
- New York Medicaid: Covers residents up to 138% FPL. Apply through NY State of Health marketplace.
- Payment plans: Northwell offers interest-free plans. Call (888) 214-4065.
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or services not received.
- NY Attorney General's Office: File a complaint if you believe Northwell is not following its FA policy.
- Community Health Advocates: Free help line for NY residents at 1-888-614-5400.
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Northwell bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Financial Assistance Unit
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Billing Office
For payment plans and billing questions
Mail & Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Northwell Health financial assistance?
Uninsured and underinsured patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Patients with income between 201-500% FPL (~$75,300/yr single) receive sliding-scale discounts. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible.
What is the 2024 Attorney General agreement?
In 2024, NY Attorney General Letitia James reached a landmark agreement with Northwell Health to expand financial assistance up to 500% FPL, create a Medical Debt Ombudsperson, dedicate more staff to FA applications, and reduce aggressive debt collection practices. This agreement covers all 21 Northwell hospitals and 56 clinics for five years.
Can insured patients get financial assistance?
Yes. Underinsured patients with income at or below 200% FPL can have their cost-sharing amounts (deductibles, copays, coinsurance) fully waived. Those between 201-500% FPL receive discounted cost-sharing. Contact the FA unit if you have insurance but still cannot afford your out-of-pocket costs.
Will my Northwell medical debt show up on my credit report?
No. New York law prohibits medical debt from being reported to credit bureaus. This applies to all medical providers in the state, including Northwell. However, this protection does not cover medical bills you voluntarily place on a general credit card.
Can I apply online?
Yes. Northwell encourages online applications for the fastest processing. Visit northwell.edu/assistance to apply. You can also apply by phone at (800) 995-5727 or by mailing a completed form to PO Box 9001, Melville, NY 11747-9001.
What if I already paid my bill? Can I get a refund?
If you believe you were eligible for financial assistance at the time of service, contact Northwell's Financial Assistance Unit at (800) 995-5727. Under the AG agreement, Northwell has committed to proactively screening patients for FA eligibility and may issue refunds in certain cases.
Need Help with Your Northwell Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Northwell Health on your behalf. No upfront cost. We understand New York's medical debt protections and will make sure you are not paying more than you should.
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 Northwell Health financial assistance policies and the 2024 NY Attorney General best practices agreement. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Northwell at (800) 995-5727 or visit northwell.edu.