Getting started.
Who this helps
Maine residents with family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level qualify for free, medically necessary care. Residents include people who intend to live in Maine, come for a job commitment, or seek work. Tourists and visitors do not qualify. Patients with documented family income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level must be offered a payment plan. Monthly payments cannot exceed 4% of family income that is not protected from collection under state law.
How to get started
The hospital must tell you within 15 days if it needs more information. It must decide within 45 days after your application is complete. If it denies care, it must give you the reasons and explain how to request a fair hearing.
Read your hospital bill.
Find the hospital’s application instructions, application website, and phone number for requesting a paper copy.
Get the application.
Use the website or phone number on your bill to get your hospital’s application.
Complete and submit it.
Fill out the application and return it using the hospital’s instructions.
How they can help.
Each hospital handles applications for its own bills. Your bill must explain how to apply, give the application website, and list a number to request a paper application.
- Free, medically necessary hospital care for eligible residents
- Free or reduced-cost hospital care through financial assistance
- Monthly payment plans capped by family income for eligible patients
- Interpretation services for applicants who need them
A few questions before you go.
Have proof of Maine residency and information about your family’s current income ready. The hospital will tell you if it needs more documents.
- Can my hospital bill qualify for charity care?
- What information should I have ready?
- How long will it take to get a decision?
- What can I do if my application is denied?