When you submit a financial assistance application to your hospital, you will always be asked to provide proof that what you say in your application is true. Every hospital has its own set of requirements on what you have to provide. These documents are most commonly required.
Tax Returns
Almost every hospital requires copies of your most recent tax returns from the IRS. If you do not have a copy of your tax returns, you can download them from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
Most hospitals will not accept W-2 statement from your employers.
If you do not file taxes, you can download a Letter of Non-Filing from the IRS link above or write a letter explaining why you do not file taxes.
Proof of Income
Most hospitals want to see at least 3 recent pay stubs for each working member of your household. The pay stub must show the name of the employee, the employer, and the amount paid.
If you have other income sources, share documents to show that income. For example, you could send:
- Unemployment or social security benefits letters
- Copies of alimony or child support checks
- Business financial reports showing your net revenue
- Bank statements that show deposits that match the income you have reported
If you don’t have any income, include a simple letter explaining how you pay your expenses. For example, you could say you get $200/month from a family member or you are living off your savings. Be truthful and explain your situation.
Proof of Assets
Many hospitals also want to see proof of how much cash or investments you currently own. They might require the last 3 monthly statements for any bank or investment accounts. Make sure the statement shows the name of the account holder, the bank, and all transactions from the month. Do not delete pages.
Hospitals typically ask for these statements to confirm the income amount listed on your application. Don’t worry, they won’t look at how you spent your money.
Proof of Residency
Some hospitals ask you to share documents that show that the members of your household live at the address listed on your bill.
Examples include:
- Photos of your drivers licenses or other state-issued IDs
- Utility or property tax bills
- Mail from a federal, state, or local government agency
Proof of Identify
Some hospitals ask you to include documents that show the identity of the person named on the bill.
Examples include:
- Photos of your drivers licenses or other state-issued IDs
- Photo of your passport
- Photo of your School Photo ID
A copy of your Visa or Resident Alien Card or other immigration documents issued by the U.S. Government