Hospital charity care in Minnesota
Minnesota's charity care framework combines the federal 501(r) floor with a state sliding-fee requirement that extends meaningful discounts to patients up to 275% FPL — and many of Minnesota's large hospital systems, including Mayo Clinic and Allina Health, go significantly further through their own voluntary policies.
Minnesota Statutes §144.586
Minnesota law requires nonprofit hospitals to maintain financial assistance programs and sets minimum sliding-fee discount requirements for lower-income patients.
Up to 275% FPL
The state sliding-fee requirement extends meaningful discounts to patients up to 275% FPL at most Minnesota nonprofit hospitals.
Mayo, Allina go further
Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, and M Health Fairview all maintain generous financial assistance programs that extend well above the state minimum.
Nonprofit hospitals
The Minnesota sliding-fee requirement applies to nonprofit hospitals; for-profit hospitals are subject to federal 501(r) rules only.
Minnesota's charity care income thresholds
Minnesota's law sets a sliding-fee floor, but practice at major systems often exceeds it:
| Income level | Typical benefit |
|---|---|
| Under 100% FPL ($15,960 for 1 person) | 100% free care at most hospitals |
| 100%–200% FPL | Substantial discount (often 75–100%) |
| 200%–275% FPL | Sliding-scale discount required by state law |
| Above 275% FPL | Varies — many major systems extend further |
Mayo Clinic's financial assistance program extends discounts to patients up to 300% FPL and offers payment plans to those above that threshold. Allina Health and M Health Fairview also maintain programs that go beyond the state minimum. Always check the specific hospital's published policy.
Key Minnesota patient protections
- Required
Sliding-fee mandate
State law requires meaningful sliding-fee discounts up to 275% FPL — not just free care at the very bottom, but real discounts for working-income patients.
- Federal right
240-day federal window
Nonprofit hospitals must observe the federal 240-day window before sending bills to collections or adverse credit reporting.
- Available
Medical hardship provisions
Many Minnesota hospitals include medical hardship provisions — if your medical bills are a significant share of your income, you may qualify even above the standard threshold.
- Required
Written policy required
All Minnesota nonprofit hospitals must maintain a written Financial Assistance Policy and make it publicly available.
Medical Assistance (Medicaid) first
Minnesota's Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program covers a broad range of residents. Before applying for charity care, check if you qualify — especially if you have children or a disability. MinnesotaCare also provides low-cost coverage for those who don't qualify for Medical Assistance. Hospitals can help screen you for both programs.
How to look up a specific hospital's rules
The Minnesota Department of Health oversees hospital licensing. To find your hospital's financial assistance policy, search the hospital's name plus "financial assistance policy" online — all nonprofit hospitals must post this document. For Mayo Clinic, visit mayoclinic.org. For Allina Health, visit their patient financial services page directly. You can also call the hospital billing department and ask for the "financial assistance application."
Where this page's claims come from
- 1.Minnesota Statutes §144.586 — Hospital Financial Assistance — revisor.mn.gov
- 2.Minnesota Dept of Health, Hospital Licensing — health.state.mn.us
- 3.IRS Section 501(r) Requirements for Nonprofit Hospitals — irs.gov
General information, not legal advice
State law and hospital policies change regularly. Confirm current details with your state health department or the specific hospital's financial assistance office.