Medical Bill Help in Texas
Learn your rights, check charity care eligibility, and generate free dispute letters for medical bills in Texas.
Texas was a pioneer in surprise billing protections with SB 1264
Charity care policies vary significantly by hospital
The state has strong protections for emergency out-of-network care
Charity Care in Texas
Financial assistance requirements for Texas hospitals
Governing Law
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 311
Income Eligibility
Up to 200% FPL (varies by hospital) of the Federal Poverty Level
Requirements
Texas nonprofit hospitals must provide charity care as a condition of tax-exempt status. Each hospital sets its own charity care policy, but must make it available to patients. Hospitals receiving state funding have additional requirements.
Application Deadline
No specific state deadline - follow hospital policy
Typical Discount Tiers
| Income Level | Discount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 100% FPL | 100% | Free care (typical) |
| 200% FPL | 50% | Reduced cost (typical) |
Consumer Protections in Texas
Your rights when dealing with medical bills
- Patients can request an itemized bill for any charges
- SB 1264 protects patients from surprise medical bills for emergency care
- Out-of-network providers at in-network facilities cannot balance bill for certain services
- Hospitals must provide charity care information in admission materials
No Surprises Act in Texas
Federal and state surprise billing protections
Texas SB 1264 (effective 2020) was one of the first state surprise billing laws. It protects patients from balance billing for emergency care and certain out-of-network services at in-network facilities. The federal No Surprises Act now provides additional coverage.
Filing Deadlines
Dispute Deadline: No specific state deadline - follow insurer/provider policy (typically 180 days)
Act quickly to preserve your rights. Generate a dispute letter today.
TX Attorney General
TX Insurance Commissioner
TX Health Department
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