Hospital financial assistance at Columbia Basin Hospital
Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata, Washington is a licensed Washington hospital, so RCW 70.170.060(5) governs what it can charge patients who cannot afford the bill. Below 200% 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
- Columbia Basin Hospital
- City
- Ephrata, WA
- County
- Grant
- Phone
- (509) 754-4631Main line — ask for financial assistance or billing
All licensed hospitals in Washington
These are the statutory minimums that apply to Columbia Basin Hospital. The hospital's own written policy can be more generous, never less.
Up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Bill written off in full
Washington law also lets a hospital look at your assets, but it is not required to and many do not. If a hospital does screen assets, state law requires generous exclusions, including your primary home, retirement accounts, and a vehicle. This does not change the income tiers above.
RCW 70.170.060(5)
200%–250% of the Federal Poverty Level
At least 75% off the bill
Washington law also lets a hospital look at your assets, but it is not required to and many do not. If a hospital does screen assets, state law requires generous exclusions, including your primary home, retirement accounts, and a vehicle. This does not change the income tiers above.
RCW 70.170.060(5)
250%–300% of the Federal Poverty Level
At least 50% off the bill
Washington law also lets a hospital look at your assets, but it is not required to and many do not. If a hospital does screen assets, state law requires generous exclusions, including your primary home, retirement accounts, and a vehicle. This does not change the income tiers above.
RCW 70.170.060(5)
Income limit for a full write-off (2026 guidelines)
- 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
Common questions
Does Columbia Basin Hospital offer financial assistance for hospital bills?
Yes. Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata, Washington is covered by RCW 70.170.060(5), which requires licensed Washington hospitals to reduce or write off bills for patients below set income levels. You can reach the hospital on (509) 754-4631 (main hospital line — ask for the financial assistance or billing office).
What income qualifies for free care at Columbia Basin Hospital?
Income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualifies for a full write-off under RCW 70.170.060(5). On the 2026 federal poverty guidelines that is roughly $31,920 a year for one person and $66,000 a year for a household of four.
What discount can I get at Columbia Basin Hospital if I earn more than that?
Up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level: bill written off in full. 200%–250% of the Federal Poverty Level: at least 75% off the bill. 250%–300% of the Federal Poverty Level: at least 50% off the bill. These are the statutory minimums under RCW 70.170.060(5); Columbia Basin Hospital may have a more generous written policy.
How do I apply for financial assistance at Columbia Basin Hospital?
Ask Columbia Basin Hospital's financial assistance or billing office for its financial assistance application, by phone on (509) 754-4631, and put your request in writing. Run the free Brightbill check first so you know which income band RCW 70.170.060(5) puts you in before you call.
Is the check for Columbia Basin 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. The optional $19 Action Kit adds a saved result, checklist, call script, drafted letter and the state regulator's contact details.
Other Washington hospitals
Takes about two minutes.
Legal basis: RCW 70.170.060(5) — requires licensed Washington 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.