Massachusetts General Hospital financial assistance: the complete 2026 guide
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is part of Mass General Brigham — one of the largest nonprofit hospital systems in the country and the largest in Massachusetts. As a Massachusetts hospital, MGH's financial assistance program works alongside the state's Health Safety Net (HSN) program, which provides layered protection for patients up to 400% FPL. This 2026 guide covers both the Mass General Brigham financial assistance program and the state HSN program.
Quick facts: Massachusetts General Hospital
Type: Nonprofit academic medical center (Mass General Brigham system)
Location: Boston, MA
Free care threshold: 200% FPL
Discount threshold: Up to 400% FPL
Apply online: massgeneral.org/billing/financial-assistance
Apply by phone: 1-617-726-2227 (MGH Patient Financial Services)
What you need to know about Massachusetts General Hospital's financial assistance program
Mass General Brigham system
MGH is the flagship hospital of Mass General Brigham, which also includes Brigham and Women's Hospital, McLean, and others. The financial assistance policy applies across MGB facilities.
State program supplements
Massachusetts's Health Safety Net reimburses hospitals for uncompensated care for patients up to 400% FPL — giving MGH financial incentives to approve applications and providing layered protection.
MA law requires it
Massachusetts law requires hospitals to proactively screen all patients for financial assistance eligibility — MGH must screen you, not just wait for you to ask.
Apply after the bill arrives
Like all nonprofit hospitals, MGH must accept financial assistance applications for at least 240 days from the first bill. You apply after receiving the bill, not in advance.
2026 income limits for Massachusetts General Hospital financial assistance
The table below shows the 2026 federal poverty levels and what they typically mean for Massachusetts General Hospital financial assistance eligibility. Always verify current thresholds in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy at massgeneral.org/billing/financial-assistance — policies are updated at least annually.
| Household size | 100% FPL | 200% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $31,920 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $21,600 | $43,200 | $64,800 | $86,400 |
| 3 people | $27,240 | $54,480 | $81,720 | $108,960 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $66,000 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 people | $38,640 | $77,280 | $115,920 | $154,560 |
| 6 people | $44,280 | $88,560 | $132,840 | $177,120 |
The free care threshold at Massachusetts General Hospital is approximately 200% FPL. Sliding-scale discounts are available up to approximately Up to 400% FPL. Confirm the exact current tiers in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy before applying.
How to apply for financial assistance at Massachusetts General Hospital
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Request an itemized bill first
Before applying, call MGH Patient Financial Services at 1-617-726-2227 and request a fully itemized statement of your charges. Review it carefully for errors — duplicate charges, services you didn't receive, or billing code mistakes are common. Correcting errors before applying means you're negotiating from the correct baseline.
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Find and read the Financial Assistance Policy
Download Massachusetts General Hospital's Financial Assistance Policy from massgeneral.org/billing/financial-assistance. Read the income tiers and documentation requirements before filling out the application — knowing exactly what's needed makes the process faster and reduces the chance of a denial for missing documentation.
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Complete the application
Download or request the financial assistance application from the same page, or ask for it at any Massachusetts General Hospital admissions or billing office. The application is free. Complete every section — incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays or initial denials.
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Gather your documentation
Assemble all the documents listed in the section below. Keep copies of everything you submit. If submitting by mail, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery and a submission date.
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Submit and follow up
Submit the completed application with all supporting documents. Call 1-617-726-2227 after 2–3 weeks to confirm receipt and get a case reference number. Ask how long processing typically takes and when you can expect a written determination.
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Appeal if denied
If your application is denied, request the specific reason in writing and submit a formal written appeal with any additional or corrected documentation. See our full guide to appealing a denied charity care application for step-by-step instructions.
What documents does Massachusetts General Hospital require?
Most Massachusetts General Hospital financial assistance applications require the following documentation. The hospital's current Financial Assistance Policy at massgeneral.org/billing/financial-assistance is the authoritative list — confirm requirements before submitting.
- Mass General Brigham Financial Assistance Application
- Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040)
- Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months)
- MassHealth (Medicaid) denial letter if applicable
- Government benefit award letters
- Bank statements if self-employed
- If no income: signed self-attestation letter
MGH must proactively screen you — MA law requires it
Massachusetts is one of only a few states that legally requires hospitals to proactively screen every patient for financial assistance eligibility — not just those who ask. If you were treated at MGH and were not screened or informed about financial assistance, the hospital may not have followed state law. You can still apply retroactively within the 240-day window.
Where this page's information comes from
- 1.Massachusetts General Hospital Financial Assistance — www.massgeneral.org
- 2.Massachusetts Health Safety Net — mass.gov — www.mass.gov
- 3.MA Health Policy Commission, HSN Regulations — www.mass.gov
- 4.IRS Section 501(r) — Requirements for Nonprofit Hospitals — www.irs.gov
Verify with the hospital directly
Hospital financial assistance policies change at least annually and sometimes more frequently. Income thresholds, required documentation, and application processes may have changed since this page was last reviewed. Always confirm current details directly with Massachusetts General Hospital's financial assistance office before submitting an application.