Financial Assistance

For patients and families, we understand this is a stressful time. There are many programs that Nationwide Children's offers to help provide financial assistance. Programs for families, children under age 19 and pregnant women include:

Nationwide Children's Hospital Financial Assistance Program

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is committed to offering financial assistance to people who have healthcare needs and are not able to pay for care. Patients must use all other resources, including application to the local Department of Job and Family Services, before financial assistance will be considered. Eligibility for assistance is based upon total gross income (how much you make before taxes), and the number of dependents in the family. People who have unusual situations may receive further consideration.

Download the Financial Assistance Policy

Download the Plain Language Summary of the FAP and Application

Download the Financial Assistance Policy Provider Listing (updated January 2024)

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Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP)

HCAP is Ohio's version of the federal Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. It provides hospital services for those whose income falls below 100% of the poverty level, and who are not eligible for Medicaid. This program is for the hospital bill only. All insurance and third party payers must be billed before you apply for HCAP. Aid may be given only for the part of the bill that is the patient's responsibility.

To qualify for HCAP:

  • you must be a resident of the State of Ohio
  • you must be at or below Federal Poverty Level (see chart below)
  • you cannot be receiving Medicaid

Download the Financial Assistance Application (for the Spanish version click here).

Call Nationwide Children's at (614) 722-2055 

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Healthy Start and Healthy Families

Healthy Start and Healthy Families are programs that offer free (or low cost) health care coverage to families, children under age 19, and pregnant women. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, and pregnancy related services. It will pay for medicine, vision, dental, substance abuse, mental health services and much more. Healthy Start is designed to keep working families working.

To Qualify for Healthy Start:

  • For children - must be at or below 206% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • For Insured children – must be at or below 156% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • For pregnant women - must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • To Qualify for Healthy Families - must be at or below 90% of the Federal Poverty Level

To Get an Application
You can connect with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) in three ways:

  • Call 1-800-324-8680 or TDD 1-800-292-3572
  • Call Nationwide Children's at (614) 722-2070
  • Visit their website 

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Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH)

CMH pays for the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for children with handicaps. Families may receive full CMH coverage or be eligible for the CMH cost-share program, depending on their circumstance. You need to apply for, and use other health insurance first (such as Healthy Start or private insurance).

To Qualify for CMH:

Your child must have an eligible medical handicap, and be:

  • Under the age of 21 for the Diagnostic Program
  • Under the age of 23 for the Treatment Program
  • An Ohio resident
  • Under the care of a CMH-approved doctor
  • Have an eligible medical handicap

To Connect to CMH:

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Medicaid for the Disabled and Aged

Children and adults with permanent or long-term disabling conditions may qualify for Medicaid. The benefits will pay for a wide range of health services. These include hospital, doctor's services, home care services, and special equipment needed in the home. To receive this coverage you must apply for, and be found eligible for, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).

Call Nationwide Children's at (614) 722-2070 

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Health Care Exchanges

On October 1, 2013, new health insurance options were made available to the American public as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

This new online marketplace allows individuals to:

  • shop for health insurance options in their state
  • compare health plans
  • purchase and enroll in a health plan

Visit their website: www.healthcare.gov

Learn More 

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Alien Emergency Medical Assistance (AEMA)

Certain immigrants may qualify for Medicaid for emergency medical conditions. The County Department of Jobs and Family Services decides who can receive AEMA. They review the person's status and get the required records about Medicaid eligibility. People do not have to be citizens of the United States to qualify for AEMA.

Call Nationwide Children's at (614) 722-6855

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Come Visit our Financial Counselors at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Counselors Location Phone
Nationwide Children's-
Financial Counselors		 Admitting Office (614) 722-2070
Franklin County -
Caseworker		 Admitting Office (614) 722-6855
Nationwide Children's -
Customer Service		 Patient Accounts (614) 722-2055


We can help. For information regarding other Financial needs your family may have, visit Financial Support. Call Nationwide Children's at (614) 722-2055.

POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES – EFFECTIVE 01/17/2024

Family Size Income 100%
FPL		 Income 150%
FPL		 Income 200%
FPL		 Income 300%
FPL		 Income 400%
FPL

1

 $15,060 $22,590 $30,120 $45,180 $60,240

2

 $20,440 $30,660 $40,880 $61,320 $81,760

3

 $25,820 $38,730 $51,640 $77,460 $103,280

4

 $31,200 $46,800 $62,400 $93,600 $124,800

5

 $36,580 $54,870 $73,160 $109,740 $146,320

6

 $41,960 $62,940 $83,920 $125,880 $167,840

For each additional
person, add

 $5,380 $8,070 $10,760 $16,140 $21,520

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