Navigating healthcare costs can be overwhelming, especially when unexpected medical needs arise. At Yale New Haven Health, we are committed to ensuring that quality medical care is accessible to everyone in our community. Understanding your options is the first step, and our Free Care Program stands as a testament to this commitment. If you’re concerned about affording necessary medical treatment, especially emergency or medically necessary care, you might be eligible for significant financial assistance through our programs. This guide will walk you through the details of our Free Care program, helping you understand if you qualify and how to apply.
Understanding the Free Care Program at Yale New Haven Health
The Free Care program at Yale New Haven Health is designed to provide 100% financial assistance to individuals and families with limited income. This program is a cornerstone of our mission to offer accessible healthcare, ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier to receiving essential medical services. If you are eligible for Free Care, you will not be charged for emergency or other medically necessary care received at our facilities.
Eligibility for the Free Care program is primarily based on your family income in relation to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Specifically, you may qualify for 100% free care if your family income is below 2½ times the federal poverty level. To determine your eligibility, you will need to complete a Yale New Haven Health financial assistance application. This application helps us assess your financial situation and match you with the appropriate level of assistance.
Image: A table detailing the Yale New Haven Health financial assistance program types, including Free Care, Sliding Scales, and Discounted Care. It shows income brackets and corresponding Federal Poverty Level percentages for insured and uninsured patients to determine eligibility for each program.
Who is Eligible for 100% Free Care?
To be eligible for the Free Care program, there are two key criteria:
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Income Level: Your family’s annual income must be less than 2½ times the Federal Poverty Level. The specific income thresholds vary based on family size. For instance, as indicated in the table for values updated on 2/6/25:
- A single individual with an annual income between $0 and $39,125 may be eligible.
- A family of four with an annual income between $0 and $80,375 may be eligible.
- These income levels scale with family size, ensuring that larger families with greater needs are also considered.
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Application Completion: You must complete and submit a Yale New Haven Health financial assistance application. This application provides us with the necessary information to evaluate your eligibility for the Free Care program and other potential assistance options.
It’s important to note that the Free Care program is available for both insured and uninsured patients who meet the income criteria. This ensures that even individuals with some form of insurance can access free care if their financial situation warrants it.
Beyond Free Care: Exploring Other Financial Assistance Options
While the Free Care program offers the most comprehensive assistance, Yale New Haven Health provides a range of financial aid options to support patients with varying financial situations. These include Discounted Care and Sliding Scale programs, designed for individuals and families with slightly higher income levels who may still need help managing medical expenses.
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Discounted Care: You may be eligible for discounted care if your family income is less than or equal to 5½ times the Federal Poverty Level, and you are uninsured. This program offers a 74% discount on medical bills.
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Sliding Scale: If you have insurance and your family income is less than or equal to 5½ times the Federal Poverty Level, you might qualify for a sliding scale program. This program also provides a 74% discount, helping insured patients manage their out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays and deductibles.
These programs ensure a tiered system of support, catering to a broader range of financial needs within our community.
Important Information About Financial Assistance Programs
There are several important details to keep in mind regarding financial assistance at Yale New Haven Health:
- Residency Requirement: Financial assistance is available to individuals who reside in the United States.
- Scope of Coverage: These programs cover emergency or other medically necessary care provided by Yale New Haven Health member medical providers. It’s important to note that these programs only cover Yale New Haven Health member medical bills.
- Amount Generally Billed (AGB): Patients eligible for financial assistance will not be charged more than the amount generally billed to patients with insurance for emergency or other medically necessary care. This ensures fair and consistent billing practices.
- Application Process: Yale New Haven Health will respond to each application in writing, informing you of the decision. If your initial application is denied, you are welcome to re-apply at any time, as additional funds may become available annually.
- Language Assistance: To ensure accessibility for everyone, translations of our Financial Assistance Policy, Summary, and Application are available for certain groups with limited English proficiency.
Take the First Step Towards Affordable Care
If you are concerned about your ability to pay for medical care, we encourage you to explore the Free Care program and other financial assistance options at Yale New Haven Health. Completing a financial assistance application is the first step to determining your eligibility and accessing the support you need. Don’t let financial worries delay necessary medical treatment. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help.
