NOTE: In Connecticut there is only one facility that is obligated under Hill-Burton: Fair Haven Community Health Center, New Haven.
The Hill-Burton Act is a federal program which requires obligated facilities (health care facilities including hospitals that have used federal money for facility reconstruction or modernization) to provide free or low-cost health care services to people living in the facility’s area who cannot afford to pay for the services. To be eligible, a person must not be covered by, nor receive services under, a third-party insurer or a governmental program such as Medicaid or Medicare. If income is less than current Poverty Income Level, facility services may be free. You may be eligible for Hill-Burton reduced-care cost if your income is as much as two times (three times for nursing home care) the HHS Poverty Guidelines. (Note: Hill-Burton facilities must provide a specific amount of free care per year but can stop services once they have given that amount.)
Hill-Burton Hotline: 1-800-638-0742
Website: https://www.hrsa.gov/get-health-care/affordable/hill-burton
You may obtain a list of Hill-Burton facilities by contacting the Department of Health and Human Services at the website above or by calling its 800 number. (NOTE: There is presently only one place in Connecticut that is designated as a Hill Burton facility.)
APPLICATION PROCESS:
1. Find the Hill-Burton obligated facility nearest you from the list of Hill-Burton obligated facilities.
2. Go to the facility’s admissions or business office and ask for a copy of the Hill-Burton Individual Notice. The Individual Notice will tell you what income level makes you eligible for free or reduced-cost care, what services might be covered, and exactly where in the facility to apply.
3. Go to the office listed in the Individual Notice and say you want to apply for Hill-Burton free or reduced-cost care. You may need to fill out a form.
4. Gather any other required documents (such as a pay stub to prove income eligibility) and take or send them to the obligated facility.
5. If you are asked to apply for Medicaid, Medicare, or some other financial assistance program, you must do so.
6. When you return the completed application, ask for a Determination of Eligibility. Check the Individual Notice to see how much time the facility has before it must tell you whether or not you will receive free or reduced-cost care.
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SOURCE: United States Department of Health and Human Services
PREPARED BY: 211/jm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: January2024