Hospital charity care in Oregon
Oregon's charity care law goes beyond the federal floor in two key ways: it sets a higher discount threshold than many states, and it explicitly prohibits hospitals from reporting charity-care-eligible debt to credit agencies — a protection that matters enormously for patients already under financial stress.
ORS 441.065
Oregon Revised Statutes 441.065 requires nonprofit hospitals to provide charity care and establishes minimum income thresholds and patient protections.
Under 200% FPL
Nonprofit hospitals must provide completely free care to patients at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Up to 400% FPL
Sliding-scale discounts are required for patients between 200% and 400% FPL at Oregon nonprofit hospitals.
No credit reporting
Oregon prohibits hospitals from reporting charity-care-eligible debt to credit reporting agencies — a strong protection not found in all states.
Oregon's charity care income thresholds
Oregon's law creates clear mandatory tiers for nonprofit hospitals:
| Income level | Required benefit |
|---|---|
| Under 200% FPL (~$31,920 for 1 person) | 100% free care |
| 200%–400% FPL | Sliding-scale discount required |
| Above 400% FPL | Depends on individual hospital policy |
For a family of four in 2026, 200% FPL is $66,000 and 400% FPL is $132,000. Oregon's 400% FPL discount threshold is at the high end nationally, meaning more families qualify for at least some financial assistance compared to states that stop at 200% or 300% FPL.
Oregon's standout patient protections
- Protected
Credit reporting ban
Oregon explicitly prohibits hospitals from reporting charity-care-eligible debt to consumer credit reporting agencies — protecting your credit score while you apply.
- Protected
240-day federal window plus
On top of state protections, Oregon nonprofit hospitals must observe the federal 240-day window before sending accounts to collections.
- Required
Written FAP required
Hospitals must maintain a written Financial Assistance Policy and make it publicly available in plain language.
- Your right
Application assistance
Oregon hospitals must assist patients in completing the financial assistance application if requested — you don't have to navigate it alone.
Oregon Health Plan (OHP) first
Oregon expanded Medicaid broadly. Before applying for charity care, check if you qualify for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). If you're under 138% FPL, OHP may cover your bills more comprehensively. OHP enrollment is year-round in Oregon, and hospitals can help screen you.
How to look up a specific hospital's rules
The Oregon Health Authority oversees hospital licensing and charity care compliance. To find your hospital's specific financial assistance policy, search the hospital name plus "financial assistance policy" online. All Oregon nonprofit hospitals must post their Financial Assistance Policy publicly. You can also call the hospital's billing or patient financial services department — ask specifically for the "charity care application" or "financial assistance application."
Where this page's claims come from
- 1.Oregon ORS 441.065 — Hospital Charity Care — oregon.public.law
- 2.Oregon Health Authority, Hospital Services — oregon.gov
- 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.