Hospital bills can be confusing. We're here to help.
We know that medical bills can be unexpected and overwhelming. Luminis Health is committed to helping patients understand their financial options and access care.
Luminis Health provides medically necessary hospital care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Patients may qualify for free or reduced-cost medically necessary care based on household income or financial hardship, whether they have health insurance or not. Patients may apply for financial assistance up to 240 days after receiving an initial bill.
Patients may also qualify for federal or State programs, such as Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid). Our Financial Counseling team is available to help patients apply for these programs and determine eligibility for hospital financial assistance.
Certain physicians and other medical providers who care for patients while they are in the hospital may bill separately and may not be covered under the Luminis Health Financial Assistance Policy.
Eligibility for Financial Assistance
Patients may qualify for financial assistance based on household income or financial hardship.
Luminis Health provides financial assistance for medically necessary hospital services based on patient income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) as follows:
- Up to 200% (FPL): Eligible for 100% financial assistance (free care)
- 201%–250% of FPL: Eligible for a 75% reduction in patient responsibility
- 251%–300% of FPL: Eligible for a 60% reduction in patient responsibility
- Above 300% of FPL: Patients may still qualify for financial assistance based on financial hardship. This may apply when a patient’s medical expenses are 25% or more of their gross household income over a 12-month period.
Patients approved for financial assistance will not be charged more than the amounts generally billed (AGB) to insured patients for the same services.
For full details, including documentation requirements and how financial hardship is determined, please refer to the Financial Assistance Policy.
Presumptive Eligibility
In some cases, Luminis Health may use available information to identify patients who are likely eligible for financial assistance.
This may include information from:
- Public assistance programs (such as Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC)
- Third-party data sources used to estimate household income
When sufficient information is available, patients may be approved for financial assistance without completing an application.
If additional information is needed, a Financial Counselor will contact the patient to complete the process.
Patients may also qualify for federal or State programs, such as Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid). Our Financial Counseling team is available to help patients apply for these programs and determine eligibility for hospital financial assistance.
Certain physicians and other medical providers who care for patients while they are in the hospital may bill separately and may not be covered under the Luminis Health Financial Assistance Policy. View these providers.
Payment Plan Options
Luminis Health offers payment plans directly through the hospital to help patients manage their hospital bills.
- Interest-free payment plans are available to all patients, regardless of income or insurance status.
- Patients may request a standard payment plan without applying for financial assistance
- For Maryland residents, income-based payment plans based on household income are available. Income based plans may limit the amount owed each month. Patients requesting an income-based payment plan will be asked to provide income and household size information to determine the maximum monthly payment amount. Income based plans may require additional screening.
Financial Counselors are available to explain billing and payment options and help identify the most appropriate option for each patient.
How to Apply for Financial Assistance
Patients may apply for financial assistance by:
- Completing the Maryland State Uniform Financial Assistance Application
- Providing income and financial information as requested
- Submitting the application in person, by mail, via MyChart or by email
Financial assistance information, including the Financial Assistance Policy, application, and plain language summary, is available in Spanish and other languages commonly spoken in our community. Additional language assistance and free interpreter services are available upon request to help patients understand their options and complete the application process.