Seattle Children's Hospital Financial Assistance: Free Care Up to 400% FPL, Partial Discounts to 600% FPL (2026 Guide)
Seattle Children's Hospital offers one of the most generous financial assistance programs among pediatric hospitals. Families earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for 100% free care, and partial discounts extend to 600% FPL. Washington state has some of the strongest charity care protections in the country under RCW 70.170, giving families a legal right to financial assistance. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible.
Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Full write-off of patient responsibility for families at or below 400% FPL (family of 4: up to ~$132,000/yr)
Partial Discounts to 600% FPL
Families earning 401% to 600% FPL (up to ~$198,000/yr for family of 4) may qualify for reduced charges
WA State Law Protection
RCW 70.170 requires charity care by law. Washington has the strongest enforcement in the nation.
14-Day Response
Seattle Children's responds to applications within 14 days. Apply online, by mail, or in person.
Covers Insured and Uninsured Patients
Financial assistance applies to remaining patient responsibility after insurance. Copays, deductibles, and coinsurance can all be covered for qualifying families.
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CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings, and negotiate on your behalf. No upfront cost. We know Washington charity care law inside and out.
Start Your Free Case ReviewEligibility and Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Family Size | 400% FPL (Full Free Care) | 600% FPL (Partial Discount) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Up to $63,840/yr | $63,840 to $95,760/yr |
| 2 people | Up to $86,560/yr | $86,560 to $129,840/yr |
| 3 people | Up to $109,280/yr | $109,280 to $163,920/yr |
| 4 people | Up to $132,000/yr | $132,000 to $198,000/yr |
| 5 people | Up to $154,720/yr | $154,720 to $232,080/yr |
| 6 people | Up to $177,440/yr | $177,440 to $266,160/yr |
For families of 7+, add $22,720 per additional person to the 400% FPL threshold and $34,080 for the 600% threshold.
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible for financial assistance.
- If potentially eligible for Apple Health (Washington Medicaid), you should apply for that program as well. Financial counselors will help.
- Financial assistance covers medically necessary care provided at Seattle Children's facilities.
- You can apply before or after receiving care. Retroactive coverage is available for existing balances.
- Washington state law guarantees charity care at or below 300% FPL as a legal right, regardless of the hospital's own policy.
Washington State Charity Care Law (RCW 70.170)
Washington has the strongest charity care enforcement of any state in the country. Under RCW 70.170 and WAC 246-453, hospitals are legally required to provide financial assistance to qualifying patients. This is not optional or at the hospital's discretion.
State Minimum Requirements (All WA Hospitals)
- At or below 200% FPL: 100% free care (required by law)
- 201% to 300% FPL: Discounted care (required by law)
Enhanced Requirements for Large Hospitals (Applies to Seattle Children's)
- At or below 300% FPL: 100% free care (state law mandate)
- 301% to 350% FPL: Minimum 75% discount (state law mandate)
Seattle Children's Goes Beyond State Minimums
- At or below 400% FPL: 100% free care (hospital policy, exceeds state minimum)
- 401% to 600% FPL: Partial financial assistance (hospital policy)
What this means for you: If your income is at or below 300% FPL, you have a legal right to charity care at any Washington hospital, enforceable through the Department of Health. Seattle Children's voluntarily extends this further to 400% FPL for full coverage.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Social Security or disability benefit statements
- Unemployment compensation records
- Self-employment income documentation
- Child support or alimony received
Other Documentation
- Proof of household size (birth certificates, school records)
- Insurance card (if insured)
- Apple Health denial letter (if applicable)
- Proof of Washington residency
- Government-issued photo ID for parent/guardian
Not sure what you need? Call the financial counseling team at 206-987-3333. They will walk you through exactly which documents apply to your situation and help you gather everything needed.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
If your household income is at or below 400% FPL (~$132,000/yr for a family of 4), you likely qualify for 100% free care. Families earning up to 600% FPL (~$198,000 for a family of 4) may qualify for partial discounts.
Contact Financial Counseling
Call 206-987-3333 (local) or 1-866-987-5770 (toll-free). For interpreter services, call 1-866-583-1527 and say "I need to be connected to 206-987-3333." Counselors can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Complete the Application
You have three options:
- Online: Apply at finasst.seattlechildrens.org
- In person: Pick up and submit at any Seattle Children's entrance or registration desk
- By phone: Call financial counseling and they can start the process with you
Submit Proof of Income
Attach your income documentation to the application. If you cannot provide written proof immediately, submit your application anyway. Seattle Children's will contact you if additional verification is needed.
Receive Your Determination (Within 14 Days)
You will receive a letter within 14 days indicating whether you are approved, denied, or if more information is needed. If approved, the assistance is applied to your account. If denied, you have the right to appeal.
Apply for Apple Health (Washington Medicaid) Too
If your family may qualify for Apple Health, Seattle Children's financial counselors will help you apply. Apple Health covers children in families up to 312% FPL in Washington. Even if you are waiting on an Apple Health determination, you can still receive financial assistance from Seattle Children's in the meantime.
Tips for Success
Washington Has the Strongest Enforcement in the Nation
The Washington Department of Health actively monitors hospital charity care compliance. If you believe Seattle Children's is not following the law, you can file a complaint with the DOH. This gives families real leverage.
Apply Before Your Bill Goes to Collections
While you can apply retroactively, it is much easier to resolve bills before they are sent to a collection agency. Apply as soon as you know you may have difficulty paying.
Request an Itemized Bill
Always ask for a detailed itemized statement. Billing errors are common, and you have the right to dispute incorrect charges. This is separate from financial assistance but can reduce what you owe.
Keep Copies of Everything
Make copies of your application, all documents submitted, and any correspondence. If there is a dispute, you will need proof of what was submitted and when.
Know Your Rights Under RCW 70.170
Washington law requires hospitals to screen patients for financial assistance eligibility, provide written notice of charity care programs, and not use aggressive collection tactics against patients who may qualify. If your income is below 300% FPL, charity care is a legal right.
Contact Information
Financial Counseling
Online and In Person
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Seattle Children's financial assistance?
Families with household income at or below 400% FPL qualify for 100% free care (full write-off). For a family of 4, that is approximately $132,000/year. Partial discounts are available for families earning 401% to 600% FPL. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible.
Does Washington state law require charity care?
Yes. Under RCW 70.170, all Washington hospitals must provide charity care to patients at or below 200% FPL. For large hospitals like Seattle Children's, the state requires free care up to 300% FPL and a 75% discount for patients at 301% to 350% FPL. Seattle Children's exceeds these minimums with free care to 400% FPL.
How do I apply?
Apply online at finasst.seattlechildrens.org, submit a paper application at any entrance desk, or call 206-987-3333 (local) or 1-866-987-5770 (toll-free). You will need proof of income. A determination letter arrives within 14 days.
Can I apply after I already received a bill?
Yes. You can apply for financial assistance at any time, including after receiving a bill. If approved, assistance is applied retroactively to your outstanding balance. Apply as soon as possible to prevent collections activity.
Does financial assistance cover insured patients?
Yes. Financial assistance can cover remaining patient responsibility after insurance pays, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. Your insurance benefits must be used first, and the financial assistance applies to the remaining balance you owe.
What is Apple Health and should I apply for it?
Apple Health is Washington's Medicaid program. It covers children in families up to 312% FPL. If your family may be eligible, Seattle Children's financial counselors will help you apply. Apple Health can cover care fully, and hospital financial assistance can cover any remaining gaps.
What if my application is denied?
You have the right to appeal. Contact financial counseling at 206-987-3333 to discuss the denial and provide additional documentation. If you believe the hospital is not following Washington charity care law, you can file a complaint with the Washington Department of Health. You can also contact CareRoute Bill Defense for help.
How long does approval take?
Seattle Children's sends a determination letter within 14 days of receiving a complete application. If additional documentation is needed, they will contact you and the timeline extends until all required information is received.
Need Help with Your Seattle Children's Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense reviews your medical bills, identifies errors and savings opportunities, and negotiates on your behalf. We understand Washington charity care law and can ensure you receive the financial assistance you are entitled to. No upfront cost.
Start Your Free Case ReviewRelated Resources
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available Seattle Children's Hospital financial assistance policies and Washington state charity care law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Seattle Children's at 206-987-3333 or visit seattlechildrens.org.