Ochsner Medical Center Financial Assistance: Free Care at 200% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Ochsner Medical Center is the flagship hospital of Ochsner Health, Louisiana's largest nonprofit health system with 46+ hospitals and 370+ clinics across the Gulf South. Located at 1514 Jefferson Highway in Jefferson (metro New Orleans), Ochsner Medical Center is an 838-bed academic medical center and Level I trauma center. Through policy OHS.REV.042, Ochsner provides 100% free care for patients at or below 200% FPL and sliding-scale discounts up to 400% FPL. In 2024, the City of New Orleans partnered with Ochsner and Undue Medical Debt to erase $59 million in patient debt, benefiting roughly 66,000 patients.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Household income at 0-200% FPL (single: up to ~$31,920/yr) qualifies for full charity care on all eligible medically necessary services
Sliding Scale to 400% FPL
Income between 201-400% FPL (~$31,921 to ~$63,840/yr single) receives percentage-based discounts on a sliding fee schedule
$59M Debt Erased (2024)
City of New Orleans partnered with Ochsner and Undue Medical Debt to erase $59M for ~66,000 patients. Ochsner also pledged $366M in total system-wide debt forgiveness.
No Extraordinary Collections
Ochsner refrains from lawsuits, liens, and wage garnishment. Does not sell patient debt to third-party buyers.
46+ Hospitals, One Policy
Ochsner Health's financial assistance policy (OHS.REV.042) applies across the entire system, from the flagship Medical Center in New Orleans to community hospitals in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, the North Shore, Mississippi, and beyond. As a tax-exempt nonprofit, Ochsner is required to provide meaningful charity care.
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 |
| 201-250% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$39,900/yr | Significant sliding-scale discount |
| 251-400% FPL | ~$39,901 - ~$63,840/yr | Partial discount (may require case-by-case review for catastrophic illness or medical indigence) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | May qualify on a case-by-case basis (catastrophic illness, medical indigence) |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients may qualify for financial assistance.
- Catastrophic illness: Patients above 250% FPL with catastrophic medical expenses may receive discounted rates at Ochsner's discretion.
- Eligibility is determined without regard to age, gender, race, immigration status, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.
- Louisiana expanded Medicaid, covering adults up to 138% FPL (~$22,025/yr single). Uninsured patients should apply for Medicaid first.
- Ochsner will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- The 240-day application window starts from the date of your first post-discharge billing statement, not your date of service.
Louisiana Context: Medicaid Expansion and Debt Relief
New Orleans Medical Debt Relief ($59M)
In August 2024, the City of New Orleans, Ochsner Health, and the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt completed a deal to erase approximately $59 million in outstanding patient debt. About 66,000 patients in the New Orleans area received letters notifying them their old medical bills had been wiped out. Undue Medical Debt purchased the debt portfolio for roughly one cent on the dollar.
Who Benefited from the $59M Debt Relief?
- New Orleans residents with medical debts at Ochsner facilities
- Patients earning at or below 4x the federal poverty level
- Patients whose medical debts exceeded 5% or more of annual income
- No action required. Eligible patients received automatic notification by mail.
Louisiana Medicaid Expansion
Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016 under former Governor John Bel Edwards, covering adults with income up to 138% FPL (~$22,025/yr single). Over 700,000 Louisianans enrolled. If you are uninsured and earn below this threshold, apply for Louisiana Medicaid first through the LaCHIP/Medicaid portal. Ochsner requires uninsured patients to cooperate with Medicaid screening as part of the financial assistance process.
Check both programs: Even if you already received debt relief through the Undue Medical Debt partnership, you can still apply for Ochsner's financial assistance for current or recent bills. These programs work independently.
Ochsner Hospitals and Facilities Covered
New Orleans Metro Hospitals
Regional Hospitals
Ochsner Health's Financial Assistance Policy (OHS.REV.042) applies to all Ochsner-owned and operated facilities. Some independently billing physicians may have separate policies. The Ochsner LSU Health facilities in Shreveport and Monroe have their own policy (OLHS.REV.01) with similar but not identical thresholds. Always confirm coverage when scheduling.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income documentation
- Income for all household members
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Louisiana residency (utility bill, lease)
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Completed Ochsner Financial Assistance Application
- Bank statements (may be requested)
Important: Incomplete applications can delay or prevent approval. Make sure every required field is filled out and all supporting documents are included before submitting. Ochsner's policy notes that patients who do not provide requested financial information within the application period may be deemed ineligible.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care at 0-200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts at 201-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Catastrophic illness or medical indigence may qualify you above 400% FPL on a case-by-case basis.
Contact Ochsner Patient Account Services
Call 504-842-4190 (local) or 1-800-343-0269 (toll-free). A financial counselor can walk you through the process, help determine which programs you qualify for, and screen you for Medicaid eligibility.
Complete the Application
Download the Ochsner Financial Assistance Application from ochsner.org or request one by phone. The application is available in English and Spanish. Fill out completely with household income and family size information.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail: Ochsner Health System, Patient Financial Services, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson, LA 70121
- In person: Financial counseling at any Ochsner hospital or clinic
- Fax or email: Contact Patient Account Services for the current fax number
- Online: Through the MyOchsner patient portal
Follow Up
Call 504-842-4190 or 1-800-343-0269 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. Ochsner will notify you in writing of the determination.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement. After 120 days, accounts may go to collections.
- Incomplete application: Missing documents or blank fields will delay your application. Double-check before submitting.
- Skipping Medicaid screening: Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid or government assistance screening before FA eligibility is determined.
- Not mentioning catastrophic illness: If you have major medical expenses (cancer treatment, transplant, etc.), mention this even if your income is above 400% FPL.
- Assuming all providers are covered: Some Ochsner-affiliated physicians may bill independently. Confirm coverage for each provider on your bill.
- Forgetting the Ochsner LSU hospitals: If your care was at an Ochsner LSU Health facility (Shreveport, Monroe), you may need the OLHS.REV.01 application instead.
Struggling with an Ochsner Medical Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your Ochsner bill for errors, identify financial assistance you may be missing, and negotiate directly with Ochsner on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Get Help with Your Ochsner BillPayment Plans
Interest-Free Payment Plans
- Ochsner offers zero-interest payment plans for patients who do not qualify for full financial assistance
- Plans can be set up by calling Patient Account Services at 504-842-4190
- Online payment arrangements available through MyOchsner portal
- Monthly payment amounts are based on your balance and ability to pay
Prompt Pay and Self-Pay Discounts
- Uninsured patients may receive a self-pay discount off the standard charges
- Prompt payment discounts may be available for paying in full within a specified timeframe
- Ask about these options when you call, as they are separate from financial assistance
- Available to any patient with a balance, regardless of income level
Collection Practices: What to Know
The Good News
- Ochsner states it refrains from extraordinary debt collections at its hospitals and facilities
- Ochsner does not sell patient debt to third-party debt buyers
- The $59M debt erasure (2024) and $366M system-wide forgiveness show a trend toward relief
What Still Happens
- After 120 days of unpaid bills, Ochsner sends multiple contact attempts (statements, calls, emails)
- If the balance remains unresolved, the account may be placed (not sold) with a primary collection agency
- Collection agencies will contact you on Ochsner's behalf to resolve the balance
- Accounts in collections can still be eligible for financial assistance within the 240-day window
Apply for financial assistance as soon as possible. Even though Ochsner's collection practices are less aggressive than many hospitals, do not ignore your bills.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Ask Why and Reapply
Call 504-842-4190 or 1-800-343-0269 to learn the specific reason for denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, or not cooperating with Medicaid screening. You can reapply with corrected or additional documentation within the 240-day window.
2. Ask About Catastrophic Illness or Medical Indigence
Even if your income is above 400% FPL, Ochsner's policy allows case-by-case review for patients with catastrophic medical expenses. If you are undergoing treatment for cancer, organ transplant, or other high-cost conditions, make sure to mention this when you call.
3. Explore Other Options
- Louisiana Medicaid: Covers adults up to 138% FPL (expanded in 2016)
- Payment plans: Interest-free options available for qualifying patients
- Self-pay discount: Ask about uninsured discount rates separate from FA
- Request an itemized bill: Review all charges for errors or duplicate billing
- Dollar For: Nonprofit that helps patients apply for charity care at Ochsner (dollarfor.org)
- Undue Medical Debt: Check if your old Ochsner debt qualifies for relief through this nonprofit
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Ochsner Medical Center 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 get sliding-scale discounts. Above 400% FPL, you may still qualify on a case-by-case basis for catastrophic illness or medical indigence.
Does Ochsner sue patients for unpaid medical bills?
Ochsner Health states it refrains from pursuing extraordinary debt collections, including lawsuits, liens, and wage garnishment. Ochsner does not sell patient debt. However, unpaid accounts may be placed with a collection agency after 120 days of nonpayment.
What is the deadline to apply for financial assistance?
You have 240 days from the date of your first post-discharge billing statement to apply for financial assistance. Applying before the 120-day mark is recommended, as that is when accounts may be sent to a collection agency.
Which Ochsner facilities are covered?
The OHS.REV.042 policy covers all Ochsner-owned hospitals and clinics, including Ochsner Medical Center (Jefferson Highway), Ochsner Baptist, regional hospitals in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Slidell, and more. Ochsner LSU Health facilities (Shreveport, Monroe) have a separate but similar policy (OLHS.REV.01). Always confirm coverage for your specific facility and provider.
Can I get help with my Ochsner bill if I have insurance?
Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients may qualify for financial assistance. Insured patients can receive help with out-of-pocket costs including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after insurance has paid its portion.
What about the $59 million debt relief program?
In August 2024, the City of New Orleans, Ochsner, and Undue Medical Debt erased approximately $59 million in old patient debt for about 66,000 New Orleans-area patients. Eligible patients were notified automatically by mail. This is separate from Ochsner's ongoing financial assistance program for current or recent bills.
Need Help with Your Ochsner Medical Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Ochsner 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 System financial assistance policies (OHS.REV.042, effective 1/1/2025) and public reporting as of 2025. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Ochsner at 504-842-4190 or 1-800-343-0269, or visit ochsner.org.