Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca

Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca 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.

New York law (Public Health Law §2807-k(9-a), as amended in October 2024): uninsured patients with income below 200% of the federal poverty level owe nothing for emergency and medically necessary hospital care; up to 400% they pay on a sliding scale of at most 10% or 20% of what Medicaid would pay. Emergency care is covered for New York residents, other care for people living in the hospital's service area; immigration status does not count. Ask for the Uniform Hospital Financial Assistance form. Other states' laws.