Northwell Health financial assistance: the complete 2026 guide
Northwell Health is the largest private employer in New York State and operates 28 hospitals across the New York metro area — from Long Island to Staten Island to Westchester. Its 2026 financial assistance policy provides free care to patients under 200% FPL and sliding-scale discounts up to 500% FPL, with official income guidelines published annually. This guide covers what you need to know to apply at any Northwell facility.
Quick facts: Northwell Health
Type: Nonprofit health system
Location: New Hyde Park, NY (28 hospitals across New York)
Free care threshold: 200% FPL
Discount threshold: Up to 500% FPL
Apply online: northwell.edu/billing-and-insurance/financial-assistance-programs-policies
Apply by phone: 1-800-995-5727 (Northwell Health Patient Financial Services)
What you need to know about Northwell Health's financial assistance program
Largest NY private health system
Northwell operates 28 hospitals across Long Island, New York City, Westchester, and beyond — including North Shore University Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital, and Staten Island University Hospital.
Among highest in New York
Northwell's 500% FPL discount ceiling is above the state-mandated floor and among the highest of any major New York hospital system — meaning more families qualify for at least some assistance.
Official FPL table available
Northwell publishes official 2026 income guidelines on its website, giving patients a clear picture of eligibility before applying.
State program supplements
Northwell participates in New York's Indigent Care Pool, which reimburses hospitals for approved charity care and creates strong financial incentives to approve qualifying applications.
2026 income limits for Northwell Health financial assistance
The table below shows 2026 federal poverty levels across common household sizes. The free-care threshold at Northwell Health is approximately 200% FPL and discount eligibility extends to approximately Up to 500% FPL. Always confirm current thresholds in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy before applying.
| Household size | 100% FPL | 200% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL | 500% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $31,920 | $47,880 | $63,840 | $79,800 |
| 2 people | $21,600 | $43,200 | $64,800 | $86,400 | $108,000 |
| 3 people | $27,240 | $54,480 | $81,720 | $108,960 | $136,200 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $66,000 | $99,000 | $132,000 | $165,000 |
| 5 people | $38,640 | $77,280 | $115,920 | $154,560 | $193,200 |
| 6 people | $44,280 | $88,560 | $132,840 | $177,120 | $221,400 |
How to apply for financial assistance at Northwell Health
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Request an itemized bill first
Before doing anything else, call Northwell Health Patient Financial Services at 1-800-995-5727 and request a fully itemized statement of every charge on your bill. Review it carefully — billing errors are common. Correcting errors before applying means charity care is applied to the correct baseline amount.
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Read the Financial Assistance Policy
Download and read Northwell Health's Financial Assistance Policy at northwell.edu/billing-and-insurance/financial-assistance-programs-policies. Pay particular attention to the income tiers, documentation requirements, and appeal process before starting the application.
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Complete the application
Download the financial assistance application from the same page, or request a paper copy at any Northwell Health admissions or billing office. Complete every section — incomplete applications are the most common reason for processing delays and initial denials.
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Gather your documentation
Collect all documents listed in the section below. Make photocopies of everything before submitting. If mailing, use certified mail with return receipt to create a dated delivery record.
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Submit and follow up
Submit your completed application and supporting documents. Follow up by phone after 2–3 weeks to confirm receipt, get a case reference number, and ask about the expected processing timeline.
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Appeal if denied
A denial is not final. Request the specific reason in writing and submit a formal written appeal with additional or corrected documentation. Read our complete guide to appealing a denied charity care application for a step-by-step process.
What Northwell Health typically requires for a financial assistance application
- Northwell Health Financial Assistance Application
- Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040)
- Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months) for all household members
- Government benefit award letters
- Bank statements if self-employed
- If no income: signed self-attestation letter
Northwell publishes official 2026 income tables online — check before you call
Northwell publishes its actual 2026 income guidelines online — not just general policy language — making it one of the easier major hospital systems to evaluate before you apply. Before calling patient financial services, visit the policy page and check the 2026 FPG income guidelines table to see exactly where your household falls. This prevents surprises during the application process.
Where this page's information comes from
- 1.Northwell Health Financial Assistance Policy — www.northwell.edu
- 2.Northwell 2026 Plain Language Summary (PDF) — www.northwell.edu
- 3.New York Indigent Care Pool — NY DOH — www.health.ny.gov
- 4.IRS Section 501(r) — Requirements for Nonprofit Hospitals — www.irs.gov
Verify with the hospital directly
Hospital financial assistance policies are updated at least annually. Always confirm current income thresholds, required documentation, and the application process directly with Northwell Health's financial assistance office before submitting your application. This page was last reviewed July 2026.