Suny/Downstate University Hospital Of Brooklyn — Financial Assistance & Charity Care

What New York law guarantees

Under New York Hospital Financial Assistance Law (Public Health Law §2807-k), Suny/Downstate University Hospital Of Brooklyn must provide FREE care to uninsured patients at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, and discounted care for patients up to 400%.

This is the legal minimum — Suny/Downstate University Hospital Of Brooklyn 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 — New York law bars hospitals from considering it. Eligibility depends only on your household income.

If your bill is discounted, New York law caps it at a share of the Medicaid rate: 10% for household income up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and 20% up to 400% — often far below the sticker price. If your bill is higher, ask the hospital to correct it.

You are protected from aggressive collection: New York law bars the hospital from suing you, or forcing the sale or foreclosure of your home, to collect this bill when your household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

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?”