Receiving a high medical bill can be stressful, especially if you don’t have health insurance or your coverage doesn’t pay for all your expenses. If you live in New Jersey, a state program may help you reduce or eliminate certain hospital costs.
Charity Care in New Jersey provides financial assistance for eligible hospital services to people who meet specific financial requirements.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply for this assistance and what you need to get started.
What Is Charity Care in New Jersey?
Charity Care is a state program that helps cover some or all of the costs of certain medically necessary hospital services in New Jersey.
The amount of assistance depends on your income, financial assets, and other eligibility requirements. It is not health insurance and does not automatically cover every medical bill, as some services billed separately by medical professionals may be excluded.
Learn more on the official New Jersey Department of Health website.
Who Can Apply for Charity Care?
In general, people may apply for this assistance if they:
- Live in New Jersey and can provide proof of residency.
- Do not have health insurance or have insufficient coverage.
- Meet the program’s income and asset limits.
- Do not qualify for other programs that could cover the relevant medical services.
Approval depends on the hospital’s evaluation and the documents submitted.
How to Apply for Charity Care Step by Step
Contact the hospital. Reach out to the billing or financial assistance department at the hospital where you received care and ask about Charity Care.
Check your eligibility. The hospital will review your situation and determine whether you should first apply for another program, such as Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare.
Gather your documents. You will generally need identification, proof of residency, proof of income, information about your financial assets, and details about your health insurance coverage.
Submit your application. Complete the hospital’s application form and provide all required documents. Keep copies of your paperwork and proof of submission.
Wait for a decision. The hospital must make a determination within 10 business days after receiving a complete application.
What If You've Already Received a Medical Bill?
If you’ve already received a bill you cannot afford, contact the hospital and ask whether you can apply for Charity Care for the services you received.
Don’t ignore collection notices. Ask what options are available while your application is being reviewed. Submitting an application does not necessarily mean collection efforts will automatically stop.
If you need guidance in Spanish about available options, you can explore Konecta’s Charity Care and Family Care services.
Where Can You Get Official Information?
You can contact the New Jersey Department of Health for questions about eligibility requirements and the application process.
- Phone: 1-866-588-5696.
- Email: Charity.Care@doh.nj.gov.
- Official website: New Jersey Charity Care.
Need guidance with your medical assistance options?
Learn more about Konecta’s Charity Care and Family Care services and explore the options available for your situation in New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charity Care
Can Charity Care cover my entire medical bill?
Yes. If you meet the requirements, you may receive full or partial assistance for eligible hospital services. Some bills from independent medical professionals may be excluded.
Can I apply if I have health insurance?
Yes. You may qualify if your insurance does not cover all your expenses and you meet the program’s other requirements.
Can I apply for Charity Care after receiving a medical bill?
Yes. You can apply for assistance with eligible services within the established deadline, even if you have already received a bill.
Is Charity Care the same as NJ FamilyCare?
No. NJ FamilyCare is a health coverage program, while Charity Care provides assistance for certain hospital services to eligible individuals.
