Shore Memorial Hospital

Shore Memorial Hospital is a nonprofit hospital in the CMS register. Under section 501(r) of the federal tax code it must have a written Financial Assistance Policy with a free application, publish both on its website, and charge patients who qualify no more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients for emergency and other medically necessary care. Who qualifies depends on household income; the policy states the limits.

You can apply up to 240 days after the first bill. Before collection actions such as credit reporting or a lawsuit, the hospital must tell you about the policy and wait at least 120 days after that bill. Ask the billing office for the policy and the application before you pay, or search the hospital's website for “financial assistance”. Letters you can copy.

Source: IRS, section 501(r) requirements for nonprofit hospitals.

Why New Jersey prices look low: under state law (P.L.2008, c.60), a hospital may not charge an uninsured New Jersey resident whose family income is below 500% of the federal poverty level more than 115% of what Medicare pays for the same service. If that is you, ask the hospital's billing office to apply this limit; a separate physician fee may still apply. Other states' laws.