Piedmont Healthcare Financial Assistance: 100% Free Care up to 300% FPL in Georgia (2026 Guide)
Piedmont Healthcare, Georgia's largest nonprofit hospital system, offers 100% free care for uninsured Georgia residents with household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. The policy covers all 26+ Piedmont hospitals across the state, including Piedmont Atlanta, Piedmont Athens Regional, Piedmont Newnan, Piedmont Henry, and many more. As a 501(r)-compliant nonprofit, Piedmont is required by federal law to provide financial assistance and cannot charge more than the amount generally billed (AGB) to insured patients.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Uninsured Georgia residents at 0-300% FPL (single: up to ~$47,880/yr) receive a full 100% discount on eligible services
Largest System in Georgia
26+ hospitals, 75 urgent care centers, and 1,875+ physician practices serving 85% of Georgia's population
Nonprofit 501(r) Compliant
Federal law requires Piedmont to offer financial assistance and limits billing to the amount generally billed (AGB) to insured patients
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement. 120-day moratorium on extraordinary collection actions.
Presumptive Eligibility Available
Piedmont may use a third-party screening tool to presumptively qualify patients at or below 300% FPL, regardless of insurance status, without requiring a formal application.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-100% FPL | Up to ~$15,960/yr | 100% Free Care |
| 101-200% FPL | ~$15,961 - ~$31,920/yr | 100% Free Care |
| 201-300% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$47,880/yr | 100% Free Care |
| Above 300% FPL | Above ~$47,880/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Policy primarily covers uninsured patients. Insured patients should contact the Customer Solutions Center to discuss options.
- You must be a Georgia resident to qualify.
- Piedmont may use presumptive eligibility via third-party screening, regardless of insurance status, for patients at or below 300% FPL.
- Piedmont does not discriminate based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or immigration status.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Piedmont will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Financial assistance covers medically necessary eligible services.
Georgia Healthcare Context
Georgia has one of the highest uninsured rates in the nation, making hospital financial assistance programs especially important for residents.
Key Facts About Healthcare in Georgia
- Georgia expanded Medicaid in 2024, covering adults up to 138% FPL. If you are newly eligible, apply for Medicaid first.
- Even with Medicaid expansion, many Georgians remain uninsured or underinsured.
- Piedmont Healthcare serves approximately 85% of Georgia's population through its hospital network.
- As a nonprofit 501(r) system, Piedmont is legally required to offer a financial assistance policy and publicize it to the community.
- Georgia does not have a state-level hospital charity care program like Ohio's HCAP, so Piedmont's own FA policy is the primary safety net for uninsured patients at Piedmont facilities.
If you are uninsured, ask Piedmont about Medicaid enrollment assistance before or during the financial assistance process. Piedmont financial counselors can help screen you for Medicaid and other government programs.
26+ Hospitals Covered Across Georgia
Metro Atlanta
North Georgia
Central & East Georgia
West & South Georgia
Plus 75 Piedmont Urgent Care centers, 25 QuickCare locations, and 1,875+ Piedmont Clinic physician practices. The financial assistance policy also covers Piedmont-employed physicians.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income documentation
- Income information for all household members
Other Documentation
- Proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Hospital account number or billing statement
Important: Incomplete applications or failure to provide supporting documentation could result in denial. Make sure every field is filled out and all required documents are included before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Uninsured Georgia residents with gross household income at or below 300% FPL (~$47,880/yr single, ~$99,000/yr family of 4) qualify for 100% free care on eligible services.
Contact Customer Solutions
Call 1-855-788-1212 or email Assistance@piedmont.org. A financial counselor can walk you through the process and help screen you for Medicaid or other government programs.
Complete the Application
Download from piedmont.org or request by phone. Fill out completely with your household income, family size, and Georgia residency information.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Phone/Fax: Call 1-855-788-1212 or fax to 770-916-7511
- Email: Assistance@piedmont.org
- In person: Speak with a financial counselor at any Piedmont hospital
Follow Up
Call 1-855-788-1212 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Missing documentation is the most common reason for denial. Double-check before submitting.
- Not screening for Medicaid: If you are uninsured, Piedmont may require you to apply for Medicaid or other programs first. Cooperate with this process.
- Georgia residency: You must be a current Georgia resident to qualify.
- Ignoring bills while waiting: Contact Piedmont as soon as you receive a bill. Do not wait for collection notices.
Struggling with a Piedmont Healthcare Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify errors, and negotiate with Piedmont on your behalf. Many patients qualify for financial assistance and do not realize it. We can help at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your Piedmont BillPayment Plans & Other Options
If you do not qualify for financial assistance or have a remaining balance after assistance, Piedmont offers several options:
- Interest-free payment plans: Contact the Customer Solutions Center at 1-855-788-1212 to set up a manageable monthly payment plan.
- Prompt pay discounts: Ask about discounts for paying your balance in full within a specified timeframe.
- Medicaid enrollment: Piedmont financial counselors can help you apply for Georgia Medicaid (covers adults up to 138% FPL after expansion).
- Marketplace insurance: If you are uninsured, ask about enrollment in ACA marketplace plans during open enrollment.
- Itemized bill review: Always request an itemized bill to verify charges are accurate before paying.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Customer Solutions
Call 1-855-788-1212 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 300% FPL, incomplete documentation, or residency issues.
2. File an Appeal
Piedmont allows patients to appeal financial assistance denials. Contact the Customer Solutions Center to start the appeal process. Provide any additional documentation that supports your case.
3. Explore Other Options
- Georgia Medicaid: Check eligibility (covers residents up to 138% FPL after expansion)
- Payment plans: Piedmont offers interest-free financing for remaining balances
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or duplicate billing
- Community resources: Contact Georgia's Department of Community Health or local patient advocacy organizations
- Dollar For: A nonprofit that helps patients apply for hospital financial assistance at no cost
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Piedmont bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillYour Rights: Collection Protections
As a 501(r) nonprofit, Piedmont Healthcare must follow strict federal rules before pursuing collection actions:
- Piedmont cannot initiate extraordinary collection actions (lawsuits, wage garnishments, credit reporting, liens) for at least 120 days after the first post-discharge billing statement.
- Piedmont must accept financial assistance applications for at least 240 days after the first billing statement.
- If you submit an application during the 240-day period, Piedmont must suspend any collection actions while your application is pending.
- Piedmont must provide written notice at least 30 days before initiating any extraordinary collection actions.
- Piedmont must make reasonable efforts to determine if you qualify for financial assistance before taking collection action.
If Piedmont has already sent your bill to collections, you can still apply for financial assistance within the 240-day window. Contact the Customer Solutions Center at 1-855-788-1212 immediately.
Contact Information
Customer Solutions Center
Fax & Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Piedmont Healthcare financial assistance?
Uninsured Georgia residents with gross household income at or below 300% FPL (~$47,880/yr single) qualify for 100% free care on eligible services. Piedmont may also use presumptive eligibility through a third-party screening tool for patients at or below 300% FPL, regardless of insurance status.
What is presumptive eligibility?
Piedmont may use a third-party screening tool to automatically determine if a patient qualifies for financial assistance based on publicly available data. This can happen without the patient submitting a formal application, and it applies regardless of insurance status for patients at or below 300% FPL.
Does Piedmont cover insured patients?
Piedmont's formal financial assistance application is primarily for uninsured patients. However, presumptive eligibility may apply regardless of insurance status. Insured patients with high out-of-pocket costs should contact the Customer Solutions Center at 1-855-788-1212 to discuss payment plans and other options.
How long do I have to apply?
Under federal 501(r) rules, Piedmont must accept applications for at least 240 days after the first post-discharge billing statement. Apply as soon as possible to preserve your rights and prevent collection actions.
Can I apply after my bill goes to collections?
Yes, as long as you apply within 240 days of your first billing statement. If you submit a financial assistance application during the 240-day period, Piedmont must suspend collection actions while your application is reviewed.
Does Piedmont offer payment plans?
Yes. Patients who do not qualify for full financial assistance or who have a remaining balance can set up interest-free payment plans through the Customer Solutions Center at 1-855-788-1212.
Need Help with Your Piedmont Healthcare Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Piedmont Healthcare 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 Piedmont Healthcare financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Piedmont Healthcare at 1-855-788-1212 or visit piedmont.org.