Texas Children’s Hospital Financial Assistance (Charity Care): Complete 2026 Guide
Texas Children’s Hospital offers a sliding scale of discounts from 56.5% to 100% on medically necessary care based on household income. Financial counselors are available at all 5 locations to help families apply. This guide covers eligibility, required documents, and how to apply.
Our Bill Defense team can apply for financial assistance on your behalf, follow up with the hospital, provide any additional documentation they request, and find other ways to reduce your child’s bill (billing errors, insurance disputes, negotiation). You pay $0 unless we save you money.
Quick Facts
Up to 100% Free Care
Sliding scale discounts from 56.5% to 100% based on household income and FPL
Medically Necessary Care
Covers emergency and medically necessary services as defined by Medicare/Medicaid standards
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement, even if sent to collections
832-824-2300
Customer Service • Financial Counseling: 832-824-5505
Texas Children’s Hospital Locations
Texas Children’s Hospital operates 5 campuses across Texas. Financial counselors are available at each location to assist with applications during business hours.
Note: Some providers who practice at Texas Children’s (such as Baylor College of Medicine physicians) may bill separately. Always confirm provider coverage when applying for financial assistance.
Eligibility & Discount Scale
Texas Children’s uses a sliding scale based on gross household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Discounts range from 56.5% to 100% of charges depending on income.
| Income Level | Benefit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest income tier | 100% free care | Full discount on eligible medically necessary services |
| Middle income tiers | Sliding scale discount | Percentage discount decreases as income increases, down to a minimum of 56.5% |
| Upper eligibility limit | 56.5% discount | Charges will not exceed amounts generally billed to insured patients (AGB) |
How to find exact income thresholds: Texas Children’s publishes specific FPL-based income cutoffs in their full Financial Assistance Policy, available at no charge from their website or by calling 832-824-2300. A financial counselor can also tell you exactly where your family falls on the sliding scale.
Important Notes:
- • Eligibility is based on gross household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level
- • Families may be required to apply for Medicaid, CHIP, or other government programs first
- • Emergency care is provided regardless of financial assistance eligibility
- • No patient is denied assistance based on demographics
- • Covered services: emergency and medically necessary care per Medicare/Medicaid/industry standards
Additional Ways to Qualify
AGB Rate Protection
Under federal law, eligible patients cannot be charged more than the amounts generally billed (AGB) to insured patients. At Texas Children’s, the AGB-based minimum discount is 56.5% - meaning even at the upper eligibility limit, you pay less than half the gross charges.
Insured Families
If your insurance benefits are exhausted, services are not covered, or your remaining out-of-pocket costs are unaffordable, you may still apply for financial assistance on the balance. Financial counselors can review your situation at any campus.
Separate Billing Entities
Some providers bill separately from the hospital, including Baylor College of Medicine, Greater Houston Anesthesiology, and Pediatric Pathology Consultants. Ask your financial counselor which bills are covered by the hospital’s policy and which need separate arrangements.
Required Documents Checklist
Income Verification
- Most recent federal income tax return
- 3 most recent pay stubs
- Social Security award letter (if applicable)
Household Information
- Proof of household size
- Proof of residency
Submit copies, not originals. A financial counselor may request additional documents depending on your situation.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Contact Financial Counseling
Call Customer Service at 832-824-2300 or Financial Counseling at 832-824-5505, or visit any Texas Children’s location during business hours to request an application.
5 minutes
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents from the checklist above. Having everything ready before your appointment prevents delays.
15 minutes
Complete the Application
Work with a Financial Counselor or Patient Services Specialist to complete the application. Applications are available in English and Spanish. You can also visit the Main Admissions Office on the 3rd floor of West Tower, 6621 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030.
20 minutes
Apply for Government Programs if Required
You may be asked to apply for Medicaid, CHIP, or other government programs. Follow any instructions from the financial counseling team.
Varies
Follow Up
Call Customer Service at 832-824-2300 to confirm receipt and check your application status. Provide any additional requested documents promptly.
Ongoing
Tips for a Smooth Application
✓ Apply Within 240 Days
You have 240 days from your first billing statement to submit an application. Texas Children’s must consider applications within this window, even if the bill has gone to collections.
✓ Meet With a Financial Counselor in Person
Each campus has financial counselors who can walk you through the application and tell you exactly what documents are needed for your situation.
✓ Request a Billing Hold
Ask for a hold on your account while your application is being reviewed to prevent collections activity.
✓ Ask About All Bills
You may receive separate bills from the hospital and from physicians (such as Baylor College of Medicine). Ask your counselor to help identify which bills are covered.
Collections Policy
Patient-Friendly Collection Practices
Texas Children's Hospital explicitly states that "TCH does not engage in extraordinary or unlawful collection practices." No evidence was found of Texas Children's suing patients for medical debt. Unpaid accounts may be referred to outside collection agencies after internal efforts are exhausted, but all collection activities must comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Texas Wage Garnishment Ban
Texas is one of only five states that bans wage garnishment for medical debt entirely. Only child support, spousal support, federal student loans, and tax debts can trigger garnishment. However, after obtaining a court judgment, a creditor can potentially freeze and seize bank account funds. Texas also has strong homestead protections that prevent liens on a primary residence for medical debt.
IRS 501(r) Protections
As a nonprofit hospital, Texas Children's must notify you about financial assistance at least 120 days before any extraordinary collection action and accept applications for at least 240 days after the first billing statement. A 30-day written warning is required before any specific ECA.
Already in collections? Read our full 7-step collections playbook for strategies to resolve medical debt, dispute errors, and negotiate settlements.
Contacts & Official Links
Customer Service
Financial Counseling (Main Campus)
Mon–Fri 7am–5pm
Billing Mailing Address
In-Person Assistance
Visit the Main Admissions Office, 3rd Floor, West Tower, 6621 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm. Financial counselors are also available at every campus.
What If You Are Denied?
Understand the Reason
Texas Children’s will notify you of the decision. If denied, ask the financial counselor to explain the specific reason, whether it was income, missing documents, or another factor.
Request Reconsideration
Contact Financial Counseling at 832-824-5505 or Customer Service at 832-824-2300 to discuss the denial. If your circumstances have changed or you have additional documentation, ask them to reconsider your application.
Other Options
- • Ask about payment plans to spread costs over time
- • Request an itemized bill to verify charges
- • Check if Baylor College of Medicine or other separate billing entities have their own assistance programs
- • Ask about Medicaid or CHIP eligibility if not already screened
Denied or need more help? If your financial assistance application is denied, or your bill has other issues beyond charity care (billing errors, insurance underpayment), CareRoute’s Bill Defense team can appeal the denial, identify additional savings, and handle all communications with the hospital on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Texas Children’s financial assistance?
What care is covered?
How long do I have to apply?
Is the application available in Spanish?
Can I apply if I have insurance?
Next Steps
Related Resources:
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Eligibility requirements and processes may change. Always confirm current policies directly with Texas Children’s Hospital.CareRoute is not affiliated with Texas Children’s Hospital or Baylor College of Medicine.