OhioHealth Financial Assistance: Free Care at 200% FPL + HCAP + Interest-Free Loans (2026 Guide)

OhioHealth evaluates patients based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Both uninsured and underinsured patients may qualify.

HCAP provides free emergency and medically necessary services to Ohio residents who meet one of these criteria:

• Currently receiving General Assistance or Disability Assistance
• Household income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level

Even if you are denied OhioHealth's internal charity care program, you may still qualify for HCAP. Ask specifically about HCAP eligibility when you contact Patient Financial Services.

If you do not qualify for charity care or sliding scale discounts, OhioHealth offers interest-free loans for up to 12 months. This is a significant benefit that allows you to spread your payments without any additional interest charges.

OhioHealth maintains a hardship policy for patients with unique financial circumstances. This means that even if you do not meet the standard income criteria for charity care, you may still receive assistance.

Situations that may qualify for hardship consideration include:

• Recent job loss or significant income reduction
• Medical bills that represent a catastrophic portion of your income
• Multiple family members with medical needs
• Unexpected life events (divorce, death of a wage earner, natural disaster)
• High out-of-pocket costs despite having insurance

When applying for hardship consideration, include a written explanation of your circumstances and any supporting documentation (termination letter, divorce decree, etc.).

OhioHealth provides an automatic uninsured discount for patients who do not have insurance coverage. This discount is separate from the charity care program and may apply even if you do not qualify for income-based financial assistance.

The uninsured discount reduces charges closer to what insurance companies typically pay (negotiated rates). This discount is often applied automatically, but you should confirm with Patient Financial Services that it has been applied to your account.

OhioHealth's financial assistance program covers all 15 hospitals in their system across Central Ohio. Major facilities include:

Financial assistance policies apply to all OhioHealth-owned facilities. Some physician groups may bill separately. Confirm coverage for your specific provider by calling Patient Financial Services.

1. Contact Patient Financial Services at (614) 566-1505 to request an application. You can also pick one up at any OhioHealth hospital admissions area or emergency department.
2. Gather your documents: proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or unemployment documentation), government-issued ID, household size information, and insurance information (if applicable).
3. Complete the application fully. Incomplete applications may be delayed or denied. Include a hardship letter if your situation involves unique circumstances.
4. Submit your application to Patient Financial Services by mail or in person at any OhioHealth facility.
5. Follow up within 7-10 business days by calling (614) 566-1505 to confirm receipt and check on processing status.

A denial does not mean you are out of options. Here are steps to take if OhioHealth denies your application:

1. Request the denial reason in writing. Understanding why you were denied helps you address the issue.
2. Ask about HCAP separately. If you were denied hospital charity care, you may still qualify for the state-funded HCAP program.
3. Request hardship review. Explain any circumstances that were not captured in your original application.
4. Negotiate the balance. Even without charity care approval, you can negotiate a reduced lump-sum settlement or request the interest-free loan program.
5. Request the uninsured discount. If you are uninsured, this discount should apply regardless of charity care eligibility.
6. File a complaint if necessary. Contact the Ohio Attorney General's Health Care section if you believe the hospital is not following its published financial assistance policy.