Hospital financial assistance in Maine
Maine law requires hospitals to reduce or write off bills for patients whose household income falls below set levels — the program usually called charity care. Below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level the bill must be written off in full. Brightbill tracks 31 Maine hospitals and shows the statute behind every answer.
Free and anonymous — no account, no sign-in, no bill number.
Free-care income limits in Maine (2026 guidelines)
Annual household income at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level — at or below these figures, Maine law requires the bill to be written off in full.
- Household of 1
- $31,920
- Household of 2
- $43,280
- Household of 3
- $54,640
- Household of 4
- $66,000
- Household of 5
- $77,360
- Household of 6+
- $88,720
Discounts and payment protections continue above this level, up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
All licensed hospitals in Maine
Up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Bill written off in full
Applies to all Maine-licensed hospitals, no ownership-type or rural carve-out.
22 M.R.S. §1716-A(2)
200%–400% of the Federal Poverty Level
Monthly payments capped at 4% of monthly household income
Maine law does not set a discount percentage between 200% and 400% FPL, only a payment-plan affordability protection: monthly payments cannot exceed 4% of monthly household income. The full bill may still be owed, but payments must be capped at this level.
22 M.R.S. §1716-A(8)
Maine hospitals covered in detail
- Mainehealth Maine Medical Center — Portland
- Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center — Bangor
- Central Maine Medical Center — Lewiston
Every other Maine hospital is in the checker too, including hospitals in Augusta, Bangor, Bar Harbor, Belfast, Blue Hill, Bridgton, Brunswick, Calais.
If a Maine hospital does not follow the law
Maine complaints are handled by Maine DHHS, Division of Licensing and Certification. The Action Kit includes that office's direct contact details along with a drafted complaint-ready letter.
Common questions
Who qualifies for free hospital care in Maine?
Under 22 M.R.S. §1716-A, a household with income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualifies to have the bill written off in full. Using the 2026 federal poverty guidelines, that is about $31,920 a year for a household of one and about $66,000 a year for a household of four.
What if my income is above the free-care limit in Maine?
Maine rules still reach higher incomes. 200%–400% of the Federal Poverty Level: monthly payments capped at 4% of monthly household income. The protections run up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Which Maine hospitals have to offer financial assistance?
Brightbill tracks 31 hospitals in Maine. The Maine rule applies to licensed hospitals in the state, and nonprofit hospitals nationwide must also have a written financial assistance policy to keep their federal tax exemption.
Is the Maine eligibility check free?
Yes. The Brightbill eligibility check is free and anonymous. It needs no account and no sign-in, and never asks for your name, hospital records, bill number or contact details. An optional $19 Action Kit adds a saved result, a checklist, a hospital call script, a drafted request letter and the state regulator's contact details.
Can I still apply after my Maine bill has gone to collections?
Often yes. Many state charity-care laws let you apply after the bill is issued, and applying can pause collection activity or lead to a refund if you already paid more than the law allows. The exact window is set by 22 M.R.S. §1716-A, and Maine DHHS, Division of Licensing and Certification handles complaints when a hospital does not follow it.
Does Brightbill give legal advice about Maine hospital bills?
No. Brightbill is an eligibility estimate to act on, not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with any hospital. It shows the statute behind every result so you can check it yourself; the hospital's financial assistance office makes the final decision.
Takes about two minutes.
Legal basis: 22 M.R.S. §1716-A — requires licensed Maine hospitals to offer charity care and discount payment to eligible patients.
This is an estimate, not legal advice. Each hospital's financial assistance office makes the final decision. Terms.