Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital — Financial Assistance & Charity Care

What Massachusetts law guarantees

Under the Massachusetts Health Safety Net (M.G.L. c.118E; 101 CMR 613.00), Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital must provide FREE care to uninsured patients at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, and discounted care for patients up to 300%.

This is the legal minimum — Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital may offer more generous help. The only way to know is to apply, and applying is always free.

Your immigration status cannot be used to decide if you qualify — Massachusetts law bars hospitals from considering it. Eligibility depends only on your household income.

Massachusetts sets no income limit for its Medical Hardship help: if your allowable medical bills are more than about 10% of your income — a higher share if you earn more — the Health Safety Net can cover the rest. Apply even if your income is above the limits listed here.

How to apply

When you call, say: “I'd like to apply for financial assistance (charity care) for a hospital bill. Can you send me the application and tell me which documents I need?”