Learn · Nov 8, 2026 · Not legal advice
Hospital financial assistance: what the 240-day rule means
At a nonprofit hospital, you have at least 240 days from the first post-discharge bill to apply for financial assistance. If you send a complete application in that period, the hospital must decide your eligibility and suspend extraordinary collection actions.
What the hospital must do
- Publish its policy, application and a plain language summary, free.
- Wait at least 120 days after the first post-discharge bill before extraordinary collection actions, and give notice first.
- Decide on complete applications and tell you the result in writing.
- Refund excess payments of $5 or more if you’re eligible.
What it doesn’t promise
The hospital sets the criteria. Income limits and discounts vary, and you may not qualify. The rules also don’t cover every provider, so check the list of providers in the policy.
Common questions
What counts as an extraordinary collection action?
Examples include certain debt sales, reporting to credit bureaus, lawsuits, wage garnishment and liens, and requiring payment before medically necessary care because of past bills.
Can I apply after 240 days?
A hospital may accept and process applications at any time, so it’s worth asking.