Charity Care offered by Washington State Department of Health
Charity Care offered by Washington State Department of Health
Monitors the charity care policies of hospitals in Washington state. Charity Care covers medically necessary treatment, including inpatient hospital stays and emergency room visits. Every hospital that offers Charity Care must: - Post a notice about Charity Care in the Emergency Room and the admissions area - Provide a patient with Charity Care info at intake or discharge - Provide a patient with Charity Care info in every billing statement Charity Care may not cover services by medical workers who are not considered part of the hospital’s medical staff or visits to a hospital’s outpatient clinics.
Hours
M-F, 9am-5pm.
Application process
For information on a specific hospital’s charity care policy, please contact that hospital’s billing office. Charity care policies for Washington hospitals are also available on the Department of Health website. Patients can apply while they are in the hospital OR after their release. Even though a hospital is required to consider a Charity Care application at any time, it is best to apply as soon as possible, before the hospital sends the bill to collections.
Eligibility
If the household's income is below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level the hospital must cover the eligible hospital bill. If the household's income is above 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, the patient may get some of the hospital bill reduced, depending on income and household size. Hospitals can give Charity Care discounts up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. All patients, if otherwise eligible, can receive Charity Care, regardless of citizenship or alien status.
Fee
None.
Agency info
Washington State Department of Health
Works to protect and improve the health of people in Washington state. Oversees the licensing of health professionals and health facilities across the state and investigates complaints. Provides statewide information on disease prevention, indoor air quality and beach safety. Operates the Tobacco Quitline, which provides support to individuals interested in stopping their tobacco use.