Financial Assistance at Main Line Health

Main Line Health is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. We offer financial assistance to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise unable to afford medically-necessary services. 

Emergency care guarantee

No patient will be refused emergency treatment due to financial status. Emergency services are never conditioned or delayed based on ability to pay. 

Eligibility guidelines

Main Line Health offers financial assistance based on household income and family size using Federal Poverty Guidelines:

Option 1: Government-sponsored medical assistance

If you have low income and need help paying for medical care, you may qualify for federal, state, or local programs like Medicaid. These programs can be hard to navigate, but we’re here to help. Main Line Health has staff who can assist you with the application process and determine if you’re eligible.

Option 2: Main Line Health financial assistance

We offer financial support based on your household income and size:

  • If your income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for 100% free care.
  • If your income is between 300% and 500%, you may be eligible for an 86% discount off of your care.

Option 3: Uninsured patient discount

If you don’t have insurance and your income is above 500% of the federal poverty level, you may still qualify for discounts:

  • Inpatient services: 60% off total charges
  • Outpatient services: 40% off total charges
  • Emergency department care: 40% off total charges, with a maximum out-of-pocket of $1,700 for hospital services (excluding physician fees)

How to apply

You can apply for financial assistance in several ways:

  • Online via MyChart — Sign in to MyChart and apply
  • Mail — Main Line Health, Attn: Financial Assistance, 3803 West Chester Pike, Suite 160, Newtown Square, PA 19073 (Please note: applications cannot be dropped off at this address)
  • In-person — Drop off your application at any Main Line Health cashier's office.

Multilingual policy access

Our Financial Assistance Policy is available in multiple languages. View or download the documents:

Transparency and compliance

Main Line Health complies with all federal, state, and local regulations, including IRS Section 501(r) and EMTALA. Our policy ensures that patients eligible for financial assistance are never charged more than Medicare reimbursement rates. Individuals may obtain a copy of our Billing and Collections Policy (PDF) on our website.

It is not the intent of this policy to offer free or discounted care to patients who have health insurance with high deductibles or coinsurance unless they otherwise qualify for Financial Assistance under this policy. Any person who does not have insurance or does not have the ability to pay all or part of their financial responsibility to Main Line Health for Main Line Health provided services may apply for charity care and financial assistance. Patients who are receiving elective cosmetic or plastic surgery are not eligible.

Need help?

For questions or assistance with your application, contact our customer service team at 484.337.1970.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to our frequently asked questions about financial assistance.

What is financial assistance?

Main Line Health offers financial assistance to patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or unable to pay for medically necessary services. Assistance may include full coverage or discounted rates based on household income and family size.

Who qualifies for financial assistance?

Eligibility is based on Federal Poverty Guidelines. Patients with household income:

  • At or below 300% of the FPL may qualify for full assistance.
  • Between 301–500% may receive significant discounts.
  • Above 500% (uninsured) may qualify for self-pay discounts.

How do I apply for financial assistance?

 You can apply:

  • Online through MyChart
  • By mailing your completed application
  • By dropping it off at any Main Line Health cashier’s office Note: Financial Counseling offices are no longer available at individual hospitals.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

Required documents may include:

  • Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns)
  • Insurance information (if applicable)
  • Completed Financial Assistance application Refer to the policy for a full list of acceptable documentation.

How long does it take to process my application?

Applications are typically reviewed within 30 days of receipt. You will be notified by mail or through MyChart once a decision is made.

What if I don't qualify for financial assistance?

You may still be eligible for flexible payment plans through AccessOne. These plans offer interest-free or low-interest options to help manage your medical bills.

Will I be denied emergency care if I can’t pay?

No. Main Line Health will never deny emergency medical treatment based on your ability to pay.

Where can I read the full financial assistance policy?

Vea nuestra política de asistencia financiera y atención caritativa (PDF)

View a printer-friendly PDF of our charity care and financial assistance policy (PDF)

Understanding charity care and financial assistance definitions

Uninsured patient

An uninsured patient has no health insurance from any source for specific services, whether inpatient or outpatient, furnished by any provider.

Commercial insurance

Commercial insurance refers to coverage for medical expenses from any of the following:

  • Commercial health insurance plans such as Blue Cross, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare.
  • Federal health care insurance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Program) and TRICARE.
  • Health insurance programs available to military personnel and their families.
  • Workers’ compensation, which may be used if a patient is injured at work.
  • Automobile insurance, which may be used if health care needs are related to an automobile accident. 

Federal health care program

Any health care program operated or financed, at least in part, by the federal, state or local government.

Family

As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, a family is a group of two or more people who reside together and are related by birth, marriage or adoption. According to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules, if the patient claims someone as a dependent on their income tax return, that person may be considered a dependent for purposes of charity care and financial assistance. 

Family income

Family income is determined using IRS rules. If a patient claims someone as a dependent on their income tax return, that person may be considered a dependent for purposes of financial assistance. If IRS rules cannot be applied, the Census Bureau definition of family will be used: a group of two or more people who reside together and are related by birth, marriage or adoption.

Charity care

Charity care means receiving "free care." Patients who are uninsured for the relevant, medically necessary service, are ineligible for governmental or other insurance coverage, and have family incomes not exceeding 300% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for free care. 

Presumptive charity care

A determination that a patient is presumed eligible for charity care based on financial and historical information.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance is available to patients who are uninsured for the relevant service, ineligible for governmental or other insurance coverage, and have family incomes greater than 300% but not exceeding 500% of the Federal Poverty Level. These patients may receive financial assistance in the form of amounts generally billed Medicare reimbursement rates.

Amounts generally billed (AGB)

Patients eligible for financial assistance will not be billed more than what Main Line Health would receive if the patient were a Medicare beneficiary. This is referred to in IRS regulations as the "prospective method" of calculating amounts generally billed.

Medical savings account (MSA)

A medical savings account (MSA) is an account into which tax-deferred income can be deposited. These amounts, often called contributions, are deducted from an employee’s salary and placed in the MSA. The money is specifically designated for medical expenses. An MSA is not insurance but can be used to cover patient financial responsibilities not otherwise paid by medical insurance.

Insurance subrogation

Subrogation, in the health care context, is the recovery from a third party of medical costs originally paid by a benefits plan. If there is a remaining balance on a patient’s account and the patient or their insurer recovers funds through a subrogation action, Main Line Health reserves the right to a share of the proceeds.