THE HILL-BURTON FREE AND REDUCED-COST HEALTH CARE PROGRAM

This is one of those programs many people have never heard about, but it may help eligible patients reduce—or possibly eliminate—certain medical bills from participating healthcare facilities.

WHAT IS THE HILL-BURTON PROGRAM?

The federal government once provided funding to hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other healthcare facilities for construction and improvements. In exchange, those facilities agreed to provide a certain amount of free or reduced-cost care to people who could not afford it.

Although the government stopped providing new Hill-Burton funding in 1997, certain facilities are still required to provide this assistance.

WHO MAY QUALIFY?

Eligibility is generally based on your income and family size.

You may qualify for free care if your income is at or below the current federal poverty guidelines. Some participating facilities may offer reduced-cost care to people with incomes up to twice the poverty guideline—or up to three times the guideline for certain nursing-home services.

Each facility may have different requirements, covered services, and available funding.

WHAT MAY IT COVER?

The program may cover certain facility charges from a participating:

  • Hospital
  • Nursing home
  • Clinic
  • Public health center
  • Other obligated healthcare facility

It generally does not cover a private doctor’s separate bill. Medicare deductibles and coinsurance are also not eligible, although certain Medicaid copayments and spend-down expenses may qualify.

WHAT IF THE BILL IS ALREADY IN COLLECTIONS?

You may still apply after receiving treatment—even if the bill has already been sent to a collection agency.

However, if a court judgment has already been entered against you, the situation may have to be handled through the court system.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

First, check the official federal list to see whether a Hill-Burton obligated facility is located in your state.

Then contact that facility’s:

  • Admissions office
  • Business office
  • Financial assistance office
  • Patient accounts office

Ask specifically about applying for Hill-Burton free or reduced-cost care. Be prepared to provide proof of your income and family size.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

This is not health insurance, and assistance is not automatic. A facility may deny an application if your income is too high, the service is not covered, required assistance has already been provided for the year, or you do not submit the requested documents.

There are only a limited number of participating facilities nationwide, and not every state has one. Always verify that the facility is currently participating and that assistance is available.

Official website and participating-facility list:

https://www.hrsa.gov/get-health-care/affordable/hill-burton

Hill-Burton Hotline: 1-800-638-0742

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