Charity Care / Hospital Care Payment Assistance

The New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (also known as Charity Care) is a medical bill reduction program provided by state-designated acute care hospitals and university hospitals for low-income individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.

The New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program is regulated by the NJ Department of Health and is funded by the state; however, the application process and eligibility screening are conducted directly by the hospital where the treatment was received.

Eligibility

  • Residency & Insurance Status:
    • Must be uninsured or have insurance that leaves the patient with excessive out-of-pocket costs.
    • Individuals who are ineligible for government-subsidized insurance, such as Medicaid, or private health insurance.
  • Assets:
    • Individual: $7,500 or less
    • Family: $15,000 or less

*Note: One’s primary residence is excluded from asset calculations. However, cashable retirement accounts such as IRAs may be included in asset calculations (N.J.A.C. 10:52-11.10). For non-withdrawable accounts like certain 401(k)s, individual verification with the hospital is required.

Income Levels (2026)

Income Level (% of Federal Poverty Level)Patient ResponsibilityAssistance Type
200% FPL or Below0% (Fully Waived)Free Care
201% – 225% FPL20%Partial Discount
226% – 250% FPL40%Partial Discount
251% – 275% FPL60%Partial Discount
276% – 300% FPL80%Partial Discount

*Patients with incomes between 201% and 300% of the FPL (eligible for partial discounts) can receive 100% additional coverage for any out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed 30% of their annual income.

Considerations

  • Applied to medically necessary inpatient and outpatient services provided at acute care hospitals. Cosmetic or elective procedures are excluded.
  • Separate Physician Bills: While hospital facility charges may be reduced, you may receive separate bills from independent specialists (e.g., anesthesiologists, radiologists) who are not hospital employees.
  • Medicaid Screening: Hospitals will first screen for Medicaid eligibility. If you qualify for Medicaid, you must apply for it before being considered for Charity Care.

Application & Contact

  • Where to apply: Financial Counseling or Patient Billing Department at any general hospital.
  • AWCA provides expert consultations free of charge (201-862-1665 / info@awcanj.org)

Resources