Hospital financial assistance at Brigham and Women'S Hospital
Brigham and Women'S Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts is a Massachusetts hospital, and M.G.L. c.118E §§66-69; 101 CMR 613.04, 613.05 sets 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.
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How to apply at Brigham and Women'S Hospital
We have confirmed that Brigham and Women'S Hospital lists email for financial assistance.
- Email: patientbilling@partners.org
- Brigham and Women'S Hospital financial assistance policyPolicy link checked on September 27, 2026
State form you may need: MassHealth / Health Safety Net application.
Ownership and federal rules
CMS lists Brigham and Women'S Hospital as a nonprofit hospital. Nonprofit hospitals with federal tax exemption must follow IRS 501(r) rules: a written financial assistance policy, limits on what eligible patients are charged, at least 240 days to apply after the first bill, and a 120-day wait before extraordinary collection actions.
What we know about this hospital
- Hospital
- Brigham and Women'S Hospital
- City
- Boston, MA
- County
- Suffolk
- Phone
- (617) 732-5500Main line: ask for financial assistance or billing
Acute care hospitals in Massachusetts
These are the statutory minimums that apply to Brigham and Women'S Hospital. 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
What that means in dollars (2026 guidelines)
Yearly household income, before tax.
| Household | Free care up to (150%) | Help up to (605%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 | $96,558 |
| 2 people | $32,460 | $130,922 |
| 3 people | $40,980 | $165,286 |
| 4 people | $49,500 | $199,650 |
Massachusetts also requires the MassHealth / Health Safety Net application.
What Brigham and Women'S Hospital reported to the IRS (tax year 2024)
Nonprofit hospitals that file IRS Form 990 report their financial assistance policy every year on Schedule H. In its most recent filing, Brigham and Women'S Hospital (filed as The Brigham And Women'S Hospital Inc) reported:
| Free care for household income up to | 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $49,500 a year for a household of 4) |
|---|---|
| Discounted care up to | 300% of the Federal Poverty Level |
| Considers assets | Yes |
| Decides some patients' eligibility without an application | Yes, before collection actions |
Policies can change after a filing; the hospital's current written policy decides. Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule H, Part V, tax period ending 2025-09-30.
Common questions
Does Brigham and Women'S Hospital offer financial assistance for hospital bills?
Yes. Brigham and Women'S Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts is covered by M.G.L. c.118E §§66-69; 101 CMR 613.04, 613.05, which requires Massachusetts hospitals to reduce or write off bills for patients below set income levels. You can reach the hospital on (617) 732-5500 (main hospital line: ask for the financial assistance or billing office).
What income qualifies for free care at Brigham and Women'S Hospital?
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 Brigham and Women'S Hospital 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; Brigham and Women'S Hospital may have a more generous written policy.
How do I apply for financial assistance at Brigham and Women'S Hospital?
Ask Brigham and Women'S Hospital's financial assistance or billing office for its financial assistance application, by phone on (617) 732-5500, 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 Brigham and Women'S Hospital 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. Coming soon: Brightbill will do it for you, free: the financial assistance application to the hospital and any surprise bill dispute, followed through to the answer. Leave your email after your check and we'll tell you when it opens.
Other Massachusetts hospitals nearby
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
- Boston Children'S Hospital, Boston
- Boston Medical Center, Boston
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary -, Boston
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- New England Baptist Hospital, Boston
See the full Massachusetts charity-care rules · Free 2-minute check
Takes about two minutes.
Legal basis: M.G.L. c.118E §§66-69; 101 CMR 613.04, 613.05 requires 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 · Health Data Privacy Policy.