Ochsner Health Financial Assistance: Free Care at 200% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Ochsner Health, Louisiana's largest nonprofit health system, offers 100% free care for patients with income at or below 200% FPL, plus sliding-scale discounts up to 400% FPL. The policy covers all 47 hospitals and 370+ clinics across Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Gulf South, including Ochsner Medical Center (New Orleans), Ochsner Baptist, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, and former Louisiana charity hospitals now operated under the Ochsner umbrella.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Patients at 0-200% FPL (single: up to ~$31,920/yr) receive a full 100% discount on eligible services
Sliding Scale to 400% FPL
Patients between 201-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) may receive partial discounts on a sliding scale
47 Hospitals Covered
Across Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Gulf South, plus 370+ health and urgent care centers
240-Day Application Window
From your first post-discharge billing statement. Approvals valid for 90 days with auto-adjustment.
Covers Insured Patients Too
Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. For insured patients, financial assistance applies to your out-of-pocket portion (deductibles, copays, coinsurance).
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 |
| 201-300% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$47,880/yr | Sliding-scale discount (partial) |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | Sliding-scale discount (reduced) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available, case-by-case review possible) |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible for financial assistance.
- You must be a Louisiana or Mississippi resident to qualify.
- Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid and government assistance screening before FA is determined.
- Patients with catastrophic medical expenses may qualify on a case-by-case basis, even above 400% FPL.
- Apply within 240 days of your first post-discharge billing statement.
- Approvals are valid for 90 days, and future balances within that window are automatically adjusted.
- Ochsner will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Ochsner LSU Health facilities (Shreveport, Monroe) may provide 100% free care up to 250% FPL, which is even more generous.
Louisiana's Charity Hospital Legacy and Ochsner
Louisiana has a unique history of charity care that dates back to 1736, when the first Charity Hospital was founded in New Orleans. For nearly 300 years, the state operated a network of public "charity hospitals" that provided free medical care to low-income residents.
What Happened to the Charity Hospitals?
- From 1876 to 2013, Louisiana maintained safety-net hospitals across the state, operated through LSU
- In 2013, Governor Bobby Jindal moved to privatize all public hospitals in Louisiana
- Ochsner partnered with LSU Health to form Ochsner LSU Health System, taking over former charity hospitals in Shreveport, Monroe, and other locations
- These facilities continue to serve as safety-net hospitals under Ochsner's financial assistance policies
- The original New Orleans Charity Hospital ("Big Charity") closed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005
If you previously received care at a Louisiana charity hospital, similar financial assistance is available through Ochsner. The Ochsner LSU Health facilities in Shreveport and Monroe may offer even more generous thresholds (100% free care up to 250% FPL). Contact Ochsner financial counseling to confirm current eligibility for your specific facility.
47 Hospitals Covered Across the Gulf South
Greater New Orleans
Baton Rouge & Central Louisiana
Lafayette & Acadiana
Ochsner LSU Health (North Louisiana, formerly Charity Hospitals)
Ochsner LSU Health facilities may have slightly different (more generous) FPL thresholds. Contact financial counseling to confirm.
This is a partial list. Ochsner operates 47 hospitals and 370+ health and urgent care centers. Contact Ochsner to confirm coverage for your specific facility.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment, worker's compensation)
- Income documentation for all household members
- Self-employment records (if applicable)
Other Documentation
- Proof of Louisiana or Mississippi residency
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Documentation of family/household size
- Medical expense documentation (for catastrophic illness cases)
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Make sure every required field is filled out, the application is signed, and all supporting documents are included before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care at 0-200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts for 201-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). You must be a Louisiana or Mississippi resident. Patients with catastrophic medical expenses may also qualify.
Contact Financial Counseling
Call 504-842-4190 (local) or 800-343-0269 (toll-free). Hours: Mon-Thu 7:30am-6pm, Fri 8am-4:30pm. You can also visit a financial counselor in person at any Ochsner hospital.
Complete the Application
Download from ochsner.org, apply through MyOchsner online, or request a paper application by phone. Fill out completely with household income and family size.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Online: Through MyOchsner patient portal
- Mail: Send completed application with documentation to the address on the form
- In person: Financial counseling office at any Ochsner hospital
Follow Up
Call 504-842-4190 or 800-343-0269 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. Approvals are valid for 90 days.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first post-discharge billing statement. Balances over 240 days will not be included.
- Incomplete application: Missing documentation or unsigned forms will delay your application. Double-check before submitting.
- Skipping Medicaid screening: Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid and government assistance screening before FA is determined.
- Assuming one application covers all visits: Confirm with a financial counselor whether your approval covers multiple dates of service within the 90-day window.
- Residency requirement: You must be a Louisiana or Mississippi resident to qualify.
Struggling with an Ochsner Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your Ochsner medical bills, identify errors or overcharges, and negotiate directly with Ochsner on your behalf. There is no upfront cost, and you only pay if we save you money.
Get Help with Your Ochsner BillPayment Plans & Other Options
If you do not qualify for full financial assistance or still have a remaining balance, Ochsner offers several options:
Payment Plans
- Interest-free payment plans may be available
- Monthly installment options based on your balance
- Contact Patient Accounts to set up a plan
Additional Resources
- Louisiana Medicaid: Covers residents up to 138% FPL
- Marketplace insurance: Open enrollment or special enrollment periods
- Catastrophic illness review: Case-by-case consideration for extreme medical expenses
- Ochsner Financial Resource Center: Additional programs and community resources
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Financial Counseling
Call 504-842-4190 or 800-343-0269 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, or residency issues.
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 with all supporting documents.
3. Explore Other Options
- Catastrophic illness review: If medical expenses are extreme relative to income, Ochsner may reconsider on a case-by-case basis
- Payment plans: Ochsner offers financing options for remaining balances
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or duplicate billing
- Louisiana Medicaid: Check eligibility (covers residents up to 138% FPL)
- Ochsner Financial Resource Center: May connect you with other community assistance programs
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Ochsner bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Accounts Customer Service
Mon-Thu 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Online & In Person
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Ochsner Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Those between 201-400% FPL may receive sliding-scale discounts. Both insured and uninsured Louisiana and Mississippi residents are eligible. Patients with catastrophic medical expenses may also qualify on a case-by-case basis.
What about Ochsner LSU Health facilities?
Ochsner LSU Health facilities (Shreveport, Monroe) operate under a separate but similar financial assistance policy. These former state charity hospitals may offer 100% free care up to 250% FPL, which is more generous than the standard Ochsner policy. Contact the specific facility to confirm current thresholds.
Does Ochsner cover insured patients?
Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. For insured patients, financial assistance applies to your out-of-pocket portion, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after insurance pays its share.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 240 days from the date of your first post-discharge billing statement. Balances over 240 days from the first billing date will not be included in financial assistance determinations. Approvals are valid for 90 days, and future balances within that window are automatically adjusted.
Can I apply after my bill goes to collections?
Yes, as long as you apply within 240 days of your first post-discharge billing statement. Under federal 501(r) rules, Ochsner must consider your application even if collection activity has started. Contact financial counseling immediately if you receive a collections notice.
Do I need to live in Louisiana?
Louisiana or Mississippi residency is required for standard financial assistance eligibility. If you live in another state but received emergency care at an Ochsner facility, contact financial counseling to discuss your options.
Need Help with Your Ochsner Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Ochsner Health 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 Ochsner Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Ochsner LSU Health facilities may have different thresholds. Always verify current requirements directly with Ochsner at 504-842-4190 or 800-343-0269, or visit ochsner.org.