Hospital financial assistance at Boston Medical Center
Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts is a licensed Massachusetts hospital, so M.G.L. c.118E §§66-69; 101 CMR 613.04, 613.05 governs what it can charge patients who cannot afford the bill. Below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level the bill must be written off in full.
Free and anonymous — this hospital is pre-selected for you.
What we know about this hospital
- Hospital
- Boston Medical Center
- City
- Boston, MA
- County
- Suffolk
- Phone
- (617) 638-8000Main line — ask for financial assistance or billing
All licensed hospitals in Massachusetts
These are the statutory minimums that apply to Boston Medical Center. The hospital's own written policy can be more generous, never less.
Up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level
Bill written off in full
Health Safety Net - Full. Applies to MassHealth-licensed acute (med-surg/peds/ob) hospitals and Section 330 community health centers.
101 CMR 613.04
Up to 205% of the Federal Poverty Level
Hardship route: bills above 10% of household income
Medical Hardship: if unpaid medical debt from the last 12 months exceeds this percent of household income, debt reduction may be available under Health Safety Net Medical Hardship regardless of income level. This app flags eligibility but does not calculate the exact reduction; contact Health Safety Net.
101 CMR 613.05
150%–300% of the Federal Poverty Level
Hospital-specific policy applies
Health Safety Net - Partial. No flat discount percentage; an annual deductible applies instead, equal to the greater of (a) the lowest Premium Assistance Payment Program premium adjusted for family size, or (b) 40% of the difference between household income and 200% FPL. This app does not calculate the exact deductible; contact Health Safety Net for the figure.
101 CMR 613.04
205%–305% of the Federal Poverty Level
Hardship route: bills above 15% of household income
Medical Hardship threshold for this income band; see the 0-205% FPL row for the full explanation.
101 CMR 613.05
305%–405% of the Federal Poverty Level
Hardship route: bills above 20% of household income
Medical Hardship threshold for this income band; see the 0-205% FPL row for the full explanation.
101 CMR 613.05
405%–605% of the Federal Poverty Level
Hardship route: bills above 30% of household income
Medical Hardship threshold for this income band; see the 0-205% FPL row for the full explanation.
101 CMR 613.05
605% of the Federal Poverty Level and above
Hardship route: bills above 40% of household income
Medical Hardship threshold above 605% FPL; see the 0-205% FPL row for the full explanation.
101 CMR 613.05
Income limit for a full write-off (2026 guidelines)
- Household of 1
- $23,940
- Household of 2
- $32,460
- Household of 3
- $40,980
- Household of 4
- $49,500
- Household of 5
- $58,020
- Household of 6+
- $66,540
Common questions
Does Boston Medical Center offer financial assistance for hospital bills?
Yes. Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts is covered by M.G.L. c.118E §§66-69; 101 CMR 613.04, 613.05, which requires licensed Massachusetts hospitals to reduce or write off bills for patients below set income levels. You can reach the hospital on (617) 638-8000 (main hospital line — ask for the financial assistance or billing office).
What income qualifies for free care at Boston Medical Center?
Income up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level qualifies for a full write-off under M.G.L. c.118E §§66-69; 101 CMR 613.04, 613.05. On the 2026 federal poverty guidelines that is roughly $23,940 a year for one person and $49,500 a year for a household of four.
What discount can I get at Boston Medical Center if I earn more than that?
Up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level: bill written off in full. Up to 205% of the Federal Poverty Level: hardship route: bills above 10% of household income. 150%–300% of the Federal Poverty Level: hospital-specific policy applies. 205%–305% of the Federal Poverty Level: hardship route: bills above 15% of household income. 305%–405% of the Federal Poverty Level: hardship route: bills above 20% of household income. 405%–605% of the Federal Poverty Level: hardship route: bills above 30% of household income. 605% of the Federal Poverty Level and above: hardship route: bills above 40% of household income. These are the statutory minimums under M.G.L. c.118E §§66-69; 101 CMR 613.04, 613.05; Boston Medical Center may have a more generous written policy.
How do I apply for financial assistance at Boston Medical Center?
Ask Boston Medical Center's financial assistance or billing office for its financial assistance application, by phone on (617) 638-8000, and put your request in writing. Run the free Brightbill check first so you know which income band M.G.L. c.118E §§66-69; 101 CMR 613.04, 613.05 puts you in before you call.
Is the check for Boston Medical Center bills free?
Yes. The eligibility check is free and anonymous — no account, no sign-in, and no name, hospital records, bill number or contact details. The optional $19 Action Kit adds a saved result, checklist, call script, drafted letter and the state regulator's contact details.
Other Massachusetts hospitals
Takes about two minutes.
Legal basis: M.G.L. c.118E §§66-69; 101 CMR 613.04, 613.05 — requires licensed Massachusetts 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.