How To Request Financial Assistance From A Houston Hospital
In this community resource, you will learn how to request financial assistance from a Houston hospital if you receive a bill that you cannot afford.
If you’re uninsured or underinsured and struggling to pay your hospital bill, there are options available to help you.
Many hospitals offer financial assistance programs to patients who are unable to cover the cost of their care.
Below you will find a list of Houston hospitals and a summary of how their charity care program assists low-income and uninsured patients.
St. Luke’s Charity Care Program
If you are admitted to St. Luke’s hospital and feel you cannot pay the bill they have a financial assistance program called Common Spirit Health that you can ask about.
Individuals who typically qualify for help paying Houston St. Luke’s hospital bills are low-income individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Other situations that may make it possible for St. Luke’s to write off your hospital bills include:
- Being homeless
- Receiving WIC or food stamps
- Getting Medicaid
- Receiving housing
You can learn more about the St. Luke’s charity care assistance program by visiting their website or calling 844.490.1247. You can even use this number to file an appeal if you are denied financial assistance.
Memorial Hermann Hospital Charity Care Program
Memorial Hermann has a program to help you with the cost of hospital bills that is called the Financial Assistance Program. Case managers at the hospital can work with you to see if you might be eligible for assistance.
In general, those that qualify are low income and have no health insurance. You can learn more about specific requirements by visiting the Memorial Hermann website.
Call the Memorial Hermann customer service number at 713.338.5502 to get financial assistance mailed to you. You can also visit the Memorial Hermann website to learn more about the financial assistance policy or federal poverty guidelines.
HCA Houston Healthcare Financial Assistance
You can get financial assistance at an HCA Houston Healthcare hospital if you are uninsured and cannot pay for emergency medical treatment.
Your HCA hospital bill may be written off if you are:
- Uninsured
- Do not qualify for Medicaid
- And your monthly income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level
If your income is above 200% of the FPL, but below 400% you still may be able to reduce the cost of your hospital bill.
You can learn more about the HCA uninsured discount policy and other financial assistance programs by visiting their website if you cannot afford coverage. You can also call them at 888.246.3812.
VA Hospital Financial Hardship Program
Veterans who visit the VA Hospital can learn more about the Financial Hardship program that helps low-income veterans with the cost of copayments for medical and pharmacy services.
VA provides alternatives for Veterans who are dealing with hard financial circumstances and are unable to pay VA copayments. If you are facing personal problems like the loss of a job, a substantial drop in income, or an increase in out-of-pocket family healthcare expenditures, you may get help with your VA hospital bills.
You can call 866.400.1238 to get help with hospital payments if you receive treatment at the VA.
Houston Methodist Hospital Financial Assistance
The Houston Methodist Financial Assistance Program was created to help patients who are:
- Uninsured
- Underinsured
- Ineligible for government medical insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare
- Simply cannot pay for emergency care at Methodist
The financial assistance program is available to those who cannot pay, however, if you do have monthly income, Methodist could offer an interest-free payment plan that offers you 18 months to pay your hospital bill.
Call the Methodist charity care program at 832.667.5900 to talk about payment plans or get a Methodist hospital financial assistance application.
MD Anderson: Help Paying Your Hospital Bill
You can also get help with the cost of hospital bills from MD Anderson. This hospital specializes in cancer treatment in Houston, therefore if you have cancer and are uninsured, you may want to consider contacting MD Anderson.
The services that the Patient Financial Assistance Program can potentially pay for include your hospital charges, doctor’s fees, and prescriptions.
To get help with hospital bills at MD Anderson, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen or have a designated legal status
- Be a Texas resident for the past 6 months.
- Have a low income and limited financial resources
In addition, you will need to have a bill for more than $500 as well as:
- Your doctor suspects that you have a cancer diagnosis.
- Need can cancer treatment.
- Have an illness that requires treatment at MD Anderson.
Call MD Anderson at 844.791.3173 or visit their Uncompensated Care page to see if you can get assistance paying a hospital.
Texas Children’s Charity Care Program
If your child receives care at the Texas Children’s Hospital that you cannot afford, they have options to help you. Parents who need help paying a hospital bill can speak with financial counselors (Monday through Friday) to learn more about the Texas Children’s Hospital financial assistance program.
Should your income fall below the income limits, you may receive hospital treatment for free or at least a reduced rate. Eligibility for this program is based on your household income. Your income will determine whether you get a discount of anywhere between 55% to 100% off of treatment.
Applying for this financial assistance plan requires you to complete an application. You can get one by calling 832.824.2300. You can also speak to a Financial Counselor or Patient Services Specialist at the Texas Children’s Hospital.
If your child is still admitted at the hospital you can visit the Main Admissions Office at any of these facilities:
- Medical Center – The admin office is on the 3rd floor in the west tower. Call them at 832.824.5505.
- West Campus – You’ll find the admin office on the 1st floor. Their number is 832.227.2100.
- The Woodlands – Their admin office is also on the 1st floor. Dial 936.267.5400 for more information.
- Pavilion for Women – Visit the 3rd floor to speak to a Patient Services Specialist. Call them at 832.826.3300.
To learn more about this children’s charity care program, call Texas Children’s at 832.824.5505 or visit their financial assistance webpage.
Texas Women’s Hospital Financial Assistance
If you are uninsured and unable to pay for emergency medical care at a Texas Women’s Hospital, you may be eligible for financial assistance.
Your Women’s Hospital of Texas medical bill may be written off if you are:
- Uninsured
- Do not qualify for Medicaid
- And your monthly income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level
If your income is 200% or more above the FPL but less than 400%, you may still be able to get a hospital bill reduced.
You can learn more about the Texas Women’s uninsured discount policy and other financial assistance programs by visiting their website if you cannot afford coverage. You can also call them at 713.790.1234.
St. Josephs Financial Assistance Program
No information regarding the St. Joseph charity care program could be found but you can visit their Billing, Payment & Insurance webpage or call them at 833.965.1616, if you received care that you cannot afford.
Ben Taub
Ben Taub is a part of the Harris Health System. This is a network of “county clinics” and hospitals that treat the homeless, undocumented, uninsured, and low-income residents of Houston.
To get assistance with a Ben Taub hospital bill you will need to apply for Gold Card. If you are admitted to Ben Taub hospital try speaking with a case manager to get the process of applying for a Gold Card started as soon as possible.
If you are discharged without applying for Gold Card, you can call the Harris Health System at 713.566.6509 to apply.
LBJ
LBJ hospital on Houston’s northside is another Harris Health System hospital. You will also need to apply for Gold Card to get financial assistance with any medical bills you have from them.
In many cases, if you are admitted to Ben Taub or LBJ hospital case managers will help you get a Gold Card if you are uninsured. Again, if you are discharged before you can apply for the Gold Card, just call the Harris Health eligibility phone number at 713.566.6509.
Hill-Burton Act
Another way to get help paying for hospital bills is through a program called the Hill-Burton Act. This program helps hospitals provide free or discounted care to low-income patients.
The main barrier to getting a hospital paid by the Hill-Burton Act is that there are virtually no hospitals that participate in this program anymore. The program was created in in 1946 and since then funding has been reduced each year.
That being said there are 3 of the 130 remaining hospitals that participate in the Hill-Burton Act in the Houston area. Those are:
- LBJ Hospital – 5656 Kelley Street, Houston, TX 77026 – 713.566.5100
- Thomas Street Clinic (HIV/AIDS patient clinics) – 2015 Thomas Street, Houston, TX 713.873.4000.
- Gulf Coast Health Center – 2548 Memorial Blvd, Port Arthur, TX 77640 – 409.983.1161
You can see the complete list of Hill Burton facilities by going here.
Medicaid Retroactive Coverage
If you are uninsured, you could get Medicaid (should you qualify) to pay for your hospital bill. They have a program called the Medicaid Retroactive program that can pay for hospital bills dating back 3 months.
The barrier with this program is simply qualifying for Medicaid. Because Texas has not expanded Medicaid, it’s become difficult for anyone other than a child, pregnant mother, or senior citizen to qualify.
If you would like to get Medicaid to cover your hospital bills, you’ll first need to apply for Medicaid. You can do this by calling 877.541.7905 or applying for Texas Medicaid online by visiting Your Texas Benefits.
When you apply be sure to pay attention to Section L on the Medicaid application. The answers in this section will determine whether or not you might qualify for Medicaid Retroactive coverage.
Patient Assistance Programs
A Patient Assistance Program helps low-income and uninsured individuals pay for medications that they cannot afford. You can use our guide called How Patient Assistance Programs Work to find specific programs that MAY be able to help with medical bills.
Specific patient assistance programs that you can look for in this guide include:
- Healthwell Foundation
- GSK
- RX Assist
- Needy Meds
- PAN Foundation
Some of these programs help with specific medical diagnoses, therefore they may be able to help you pay for any related medical care that you may have received to treat that diagnosis.
Non Profits That Provide Financial Assistance In Houston
This option is a LONG SHOT but…
You can call local nonprofits to see if they might be able to help you with the cost of a medical bill you cannot afford. These programs help with basic needs like rent, food, clothing, and even some medication assistance.
That being said if your bill is over $1000, it’s unlikely that a nonprofit will be able to help with healthcare costs.
To find the nonprofits that help your area, use the table below and type in your zip code. You will see s listing of nonprofits that help your area.
| Agency | Address | Phone | Type of Assistance | Area/Zip Code served | Hourss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIDS Foundation HoustonWeb | 6260 Westpark Dr #100 | 713.623.6796 | Only offers assistance to clients with HIV and AIDS. Offers housing, mental health, substance abuse, assistance applying for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Texas Women's Health Plan | Harris County | M-F 930 to 4pm. Walk ins welcome but priority is given to those with appointments. |
| Baytown Resource & Assistance Center Web | 5309 Decker Dr | 281.424.5752. *Must make an appointment. | Utilities, Clothing for Children, Employment assistance services | Residents of McNair, Baytown, Highlands or Chambers County | Mon: 8 to 5pm. Closed from 12 to 1pm for lunch. |
| Avenue 360 (formerly Bearing Omega and Houston Area Community Services) Web | 2150 West 18th Street | 713.426.0027 | Housing referrals, medical support, Rent, Mental Health | HIV/AIDs clients only | M - F: 8 to 5pm |
| Bethel's Heavenly HandsWeb | 12660 Sandpiper Dr | 713.729.6477 | Food, Clothing, Thursday Food Distributions, Senior Commodity Program, | Harris County | Mon, Tues, Fri |
| Braes Interfaith MinistriesWeb | 4300 W. Bellfort | 713.723.2671 | Food, Clothing | SW: 77025, 77035, 77045, 77051, 77053, 77054, 77071, 77085, 77096 | M-F 730a - 530p |
| Brentwood Community Foundation Web | 13033 1/2 Landmark Street | 713.852.2551 | Resources for those with HIV/AIDS. Rent, Mortgage, Food, Utilities, housing referrals | Those with HIV/AIDS in Houston area | M-F 8am to 5pm |
| Catholic Charities Main Office Web | 2900 Louisiana Other Locations: Houston Locations | 713.874.6590 or 713.526.4611 | Rent, Utilities, Food, Counseling, Adoption, Immigration, Limited Financial Assistance, Saturday Food Fairs, Case Management, Help applying for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, | 77003, 77004, 77011, 77012, 77013, 77020, 77021, 77023, 77029, 77030, 77054, 77547 | M-F 730a - 530p |
| Chinese Community CenterWeb | 9800 Town Park | 713.271.6100 | Utilities (must have cut off notice), Weatherization, Adult day program, Gold Card Application Assistance, Income Tax Help, SNAP, Free Legal Clinic, Citizenship Application Assistance, | 77024, 77036, 77042, 77056, 77057, 77063, 77072, 77074, 77077, 77079, 77081, 77082, 77083, 77094, 77099, 77450, 77494, 77477, | Tues 9am - 12pm |
| Christian Community CenterWeb | 3434 Branard | 713.871.9741 | Rent, Utilities, Food, Clothing, Vocational Training, Jobnet Program | W-SW: 77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006, 77007, 77010, 77011, 77012, 77019, 77020, 77021, 77023, 77025, 77026, 77027, 77030, 77046, 77056, 77057, 77081, 77096, 77098, 77401 | M-F 10a - 2pm Sat 9a - 12p (food and clothing only) |
| City Fellowship Church Christian Rescue Mission Web | 3220 Hadley | 713.659.7750 | Rent, Utilities, Food | Harris County | Tues-F: 10a -12p |
| City of Houston Water Aid To Elderly Residents Program | 4200 Leeland Houston, TX 77023 Mail application here. | 713.371.1400 | Assistance paying water bill. $100 every six months. | Low income seniors (60+) residing in Houston are the priority. Individuals w disabilities and low income families are also encourage to apply. Web | Water Assistance Application: Web |
| City Wide ClubWeb | Multiple locations | 713.752.2582 | Rent, Utilities, Food, Employment Referrals, Housing and Shelter Recovery Program - room and board for families, seniors, homeless faced w physical, mental substance abuse challenges, Project Warm-Up helps with electric heaters and utilities, Project Cool Down helps w fans and shelters in summer | Harris County and surrounding areas | Tues-Th 10a-1p |
| Covenant House Texas Web | 1111 Lovett Blvd | 713.523.2231 | Crisis shelter, Transitional shelter for youth ages 18 to 20. Medical and clothing provided. Job placement for young adults. | Houston area | M-F 8a to 5p |
| Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) Web | 713.957.4357 or 211 | Utilities Assistance for low income seniors (60+) and/or have documented disability expected to last 12 months | Harris County | M-F 8a-5p | |
| Cypress Area Ministries Web | 11202 Huffmeister | 281.955.7684 | Rent, utilities, food, clothing. CAM may pay a portion of the past due balance on a utility bill. The client is required to pay the balance of the amount past due, or have a pledge for that amount, prior to CAM’s paying the pledged amount. | 77065, 77095, 77429, 77433 | M-F 10a-2p |
| Fair Haven Methodist Church Web | 1330 Gessner | 713.476.4346 or (713) 468-3276 | Food | 77024, 77027, 77041, (Carverdale only), 77043, 77055, 77056, 77079, 77080, | M-F 10a-2p |
| First Baptist ChurchWeb | 8009 Long Point | 713.554.8801 or (281) 229-9166 | Rent, mortgage, utilities, food, prescriptions | NW: Harris County | M-Th 730a-11a Walk Ins only |
| Gulf Coast Community Services Web | 9320 Kirby Dr | 713.393.4700 | Rent, utilities, food, clothing, Q cards, eyewear vouchers | SE: Harris County | M-F 8a-5p |
| Harris County Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Web | 8933 Interchange Dr. | 713.578.2100 | Housing Choice Vouchers distributed during open enrollment | Harris County | M-F 8a-5p |
| Harris County Social Services Web | 9418 Jense Drive | 713.696.7900 | Rent, Utilities, Bereavement, Veteran services | Harris County | M-F 8a-5p |
| Hester HouseWeb | 2020 Solo | 713.274.1394 | Hot meals/seniors summer/youth camp | NW - 5th Ward | M-F 8a-5p |
| Houston Volunteers of America Web | 4808 Yale Street (Independence Heights Location) 731 West Davis Conroe, TX | 713.460.0781 or 817.529.7300 | Assistance applying for SNAP, Medicaid, FASFA, Tax Season Assistance, Employment Placement Assistance Program for Healthcare jobs, Deaf and Blind Services, Day Habilitation Center for those with special needs, Residential Group Homes for children and adults with special needs, Substance Abuse Treatment, Housing for seniors and those with a disability, Homeless Veterans Help | Houston and surrounding areas | M-F 8a - 5p |
| Housing Authority of City of HoustonWeb | 2640 Fountain View Dr | 713.260.0600 | Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing | M-F 8a-5p *By appointment. | |
| Humble Area Ministries Web | 1302 First Street | 281.446.3663 | Food, rent, utilities, Employment services, Clothing, Prescription Assistance, Birth Certificate and ID Assistance, Assistance with Eyeglasses | 77336, 77345, 77347, 77372, 77338, 77346, 77357, 77396, 77339, 77347, 77365, 77532, | 7 days a week/24 hours a day answering machine, leave message |
| Interfaith Caring Ministries Web | 151 Park Ave, League City | 281.332.3881 | Rent, utilities, minor home repair, and food for seniors (55+) | Clear Creek ISD, Friendswood ISD, Clear Lake, Webster, 77034, 77058, 77059, 77062, 77089, 77546, 77565, 77573, 77586, 77598 | M-F 830a-430p *by appointment |
| Immaculate Conception Catholic ChurchWeb | 7250 Harrisburgh | 713.921.1261 | Food | 77011, 77012 | Thurs 930a - 1130m |
| Katy Christian Social Ministries Web | 5011 East 5th St Katy, TX | 281.391.9623 | Rent, mortgage, utilities, food, clothing | 77084, 77094, 77406, 77423, 77441, 77449, 77450, 77464, 77476, 77485, 77493, 77494 | M-Th 830a-12p 1230p -5p |
| Larkin Community Center Web | 5410 Larkin | 713.869.9143 | Rent and Utility assistance to seniors and families with children | M - F 8am to 5pm | |
| LINC Houston Community Services Web | 1504 Johnson Street | 713.426.2451 | Food, Prescriptions, Eye glasses, Rent, Security Deposit, Clothes, CHIP, Medicaid, Gold Card, Home Repair | Mon, Wed, Fri: 9 to 3pm | |
| Lone Star Legal Aid Web | 1415 Fannin | 713.652.0077 or 713.652.5911 | Legal services to low income individuals | Harris, Ft Bend and Montgomery County | M-F 830a - 1230p |
| MANNA - Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Allicance Web | 1806 W. 43rd Street | 346.335.2950 or 713.682.7556 | Utility, Gas, Rent, Clothing, Food, Assistance with SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, | 77007, 77008, 77009, 77018, 77022, 77037, 77040, 77076, 77088, 77091, 77092, | M: 8 to 11, Tues and Thurs: 915 to 1115am. |
| Memorial Area MinistriesWeb | 1625 Blalock | English 713.574.7533 Spanish 713.574.7536 | Rent, water, gas, medical assistance, prescriptions, transportation, clothing, Rapid Re-Housing, | 77008, 77009, 77018, 77022, 77024, 77037, 77039, 77040, 77041, 77043, 77055, 77076, 77079, 77080, 77088, 77091, 77092, | M-F 9a - 4p. Call between 9a - 12p M-F to set up an appointment. |
| My Brother's Keeper Outreach Center Web | 12713 A Bissonnet | 281.489.9933 | Financial Assistance, Rent, Utilities, Food Pantry, | ||
| Mayors Office for People with Disabilities Web | 1475 West Gray | 832.394.0814 mopdmail@houstontx.gov | Advocacy Services | City of Houston | M-F 8a - 5p |
| North Channel Assistance MiWeb nistries | 13837 Bonham | 713.453.8028 | Food, food stamp application help, Medicaid application help, clothing, | 77013, 77015, 77029, 77044, 77049, 77078, 77530, | M-F 8a-2p |
| Northwest Assistance Ministries Web | 15555 Kuykendahl | 281.583.5600 | Rent, mortgage, gas, water, prescriptions, gas vouchers, dental and medical, | 77014, 77032, 77038, 77050, 77060, 77064, 77066, 77067, 77068, 77069, 77070, 77073, 77086, 77090, 77373, 77379, 77388, 77389, | Tues 1p-4p Call for an appointment. |
| Operation ID Web | 5100 Travis Street | 713.620.6476 | Texas Identification Card | Harris County | Tues & Thurs 9a-1130a. You will need a referral/voucher from an agency that Operation ID partners with. |
| Pasadena Community MinistriesWeb | 2301 South Houston | 713.477.4336 | Rent, utilities, food, clothing, | Pasadena, Deer Park, | Tues 9a - 12p. Th 1p-4p |
| Riceville Baptist ChurchWeb | 11231 Gessner | 713.774.4880 | Food, clothing, financial assistance, prison ministry | 1st Wed of Month, 6p. Call for appointments. | |
| Salvation ArmyWeb | 1500 Austin Street | 713.752.0677 | Rent, Food, Clothing, Utilities (water only), Senior Housing (62+) | Harris County | M-Th 830a - 430p |
| Saras HouseWeb | 711 Perla | 713.475.1480 | Shelter, meals, clothing (women & children) | Pasadena | |
| Baker Ripley Web | 3838 Aberdeen Way 77025 | 713-590-2327 | Case management, care giver support, dementia adult day program, utilities, must be under 150% FPL, preferences to elderly, disabled, clients w children under 5 yrs, no deposits or reconnection fees, | 77016, 77020, 77026, 77028, 77004, 77021, 77033, 77051, 77087, 77003, 77011, 77012, 77020, 77023, 77034, 77058, 77059, 77062, 77075, 77089, 77502, 77504, 77506, 77571, 77598, | Call for appointment |
| Senior Jobs Program (AARP)Web | 12727 Featherwood Dr | 281.922.9952 | Jobs, | Harris County | M-F 930a - 230p |
| Spring-Woodlands Ministries Web | 810 E. Louetta Suite A-E | 281.353.4480 | Food, clothing | 77373, 77338, 77389, 77379, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77386, 77388, | M 1p-3p, W 9a-1130a, Thur 1p-3p |
| Society of St. Stephen Web | 1062 Fairmont Parkway | 281.487.1774 | Rent, utilities, food, | 77502, 77503, 77505, 77506, 77507 | T-F New clients: 10a-1p |
| Society of St Vincent de PaulWeb | 2403 Holcombe Blvd | 713.741.8234 ext 101 | Food, Clothing, Rent, Utility | City of Houston Zip Codes Only | M -F 9am - 5pm |
| Southeast Area Ministries SEAMWeb | 2102 Houston Blvd | 713.944.0093 | Rent, Utilities, Food, Clothing, Ongoing Senior assistance, Christmas assistance program, Prescription, Medical Supply assistance | SE: 77017, 77034, 77061, 77075, 77087, 77089, 77504, 77587, | M-Th 10am - 1:30pm |
| St Bernadette Church Web | 15500 El Camino Real | 281.486.0337 | Food, Clothes, Rent, Utilities, | Clear Lake: 77058, 77059, 77062, 77598, | Tues: 930 to 1130am Thurs: 930 to 1130 Wed: Appt only |
| St. Cecilia ChurchWeb | 11720 Joan of Arc Drive | 713.468.1185 | Rent, Utilities, Food, | NW: 77024, 77043, 77055 | M-Th: 9am through 12pm |
| St Christopher Catholic ChurchWeb | 8150 Park Place | 713.645.6614 | Food | SE: 77012, 77017, 77061, | Sat: 930 to 11am |
| St. Hyacinth Catholic Church Web | 2921 Center St, Deer Park | 281.479.4298 | Rent, Utilities, Food | Deer Park: 77536 | M - F: 930 to 12pm 1pm to 430pm |
| St. John Vianney Social Services Web | 625 Nottingham Oaks | 281.497.4434 | Utilities, Food, Clothing, | W: 77043, 77055 (Food & Clothing only) 77077, 77079 (Food, Clothing, Utilities ) | M-F: 830 to 530pm |
| St. Joseph Catholic ChurchWeb | 1505 Kane Street | 713.222.8903 | Rent, Utilities, Food, | 77007, 77008, 77009, | M-T: 9am to 12pm 130 to 330pm |
| St Mary Magdalene Church | 527 South Houston Ave, Humble | 281.540.1907 | Rent, Utilities, Food, | NE: 77338, East of Lee Rd, 77346, (Only apartment complexes) | M, W, F only. 930 to 1145am - 1st 12 people. |
| St Pious Catholic Church Web | 824 Main - Pasadena | 713.473.9484 | Food, Rent, Utilities, Immigrant Legal Assistance, Free Health Screenings, | Pasadena: 77501, 77507, 77536, 77547, 77587, | Tues & Thurs: 10am to 1230pm |
| Target Hunger Service CenterWeb | 2814 Quitman | 713.226.4953 | Emergency Food, Food Pantries, Monthly Food Fairs, Senior Home Delivery Program, Senior Day Site Program | 77015, 77016, 77020, 77026, 77028, 77078, | M-F: 9am to 5pm |
| The Bridge Over Troubled WatersWeb | 3811 Allen-Genoa Rd | 713.473.2801 | Emergency Shelter for Domestic Abuse Victims | Harris County | |
| The House of AmosWeb | 8030 Boone Rd | 281.495.9061 | Food, Citizenship Classes, Lunches every Saturday, Free immunizations to uninsured children. | M-Th: 9am to 12pm Sat: 10am to 12pm | |
| Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries (TEAM) Web | 300 W Main Street Tomball, TX 77375 | 281.351.6700 | Utilities, Gas vouchers, Clothing, Food, Medical and Dental vouchers, Temporary Shelter | Tomball zip codes 77375, 77377 or you live within Tomball school district. | Tues and Thurs: 10am to 1pm. Application must be completed in person. |
| The Houston Food Bank Web | 535 Portwall | 832.369.9390 | Emergency Food Pantry, Help applying for SNAP, TANF, CHIP, Medicaid | M-F: 8am to 5pm Sat: Telephone hotline only 8am to 4pm | |
| United Way Web | 211 | Referrals for Food, Shelter, Rent, Utilities, Housing, Shelters, Substance Abuse | Harris County | ||
| Wesley Community CenterWeb | 1410 Lee Street | 713.223.8131 ext 245 | Rent, Utilities, Food, Financial Education, Employment coaching, Help applying for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, | Harris County | Friday Starts at 8am. Appointments Only. No appointment needed for Food. |
| West Houston Assistance MinistriesWeb | 10501 Meadowglen Lane | 713.977.9942 | Mortgage, Food, Utilities, Clothing, Employment Assistance, Bus Passes for job related trips, Work Clothes, | 77042, 77057, 77063, 77072, 77077, 77082, | M - F: 10am - 1pm |
| Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Web | 3826 Wheeler | 713.747.7101 | Rent, Mortgage, Utilities, Food, Women's Housing (Badge Bush). Visit there site they help in plenty of ways. | SE: 77770 | M-Th: 9 - 1230pm F: 9-1130am *Appointment only |
| Windsor Village Social ServicesWeb | 12041 1/2 Post Oak Rd | 713.551.8792 | Rent, Mortgage, Utilities, Food, | Harris County and Ft Bend County | Appointment only Monday 8am to 11am Food: T-W 9am to 11am. Th 1030am to 1230pm |
| Pearland Neighborhood CenterWeb | 2335 N Texas Ave, Pearland, TX 77581 | 281-485-1987, info@pnctexas.com | Rent, Utilities, Gas, Food and Baby Pantry, Bread Pantry, Santa's Helpers Program, School Supply Vouchers, Emergency Assistance, Finanical Stability Course, GED Scholarships, Disaster Relief | Brazoria County | M - F 8 to 5 |
| East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry WWebeb | 435 Stafford Run Road Stafford, Texas 77477-5639 | 281 261-1006 | Food, rent, utilities, resale shop, Christmas and Thanksgiving Meals, Backpacks for kids, | East Fort Bend - 77053, 77459, 77477, 77478, 77479, 77489, 77545, 77583 | 281 261-1006 |
| Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS) WWebeb | 9600 S. Gessner, Bldg. E Houston, Texas 77071 | 713 270-0369 | Gold Card, Medcaid, SNAP, Food, ESL, Computer Literacy, Voter Registration, Child Immunizations, Vision Screening, Domestic Abuse Counseling and support groups, | Serves Greater Houston | 713 270-0369 |
| Emergency Aid Coalition (EAC) WWebeb | 5401 Fannin Street Houston, Texas 77004-6808 | (713) 522-5903 | Food Pantry + Clothing (M-F 8:30am), Lunch Program (M - F + Sunday 11 am & 1pm, Backpacks (register in March) | Serves Greater Houston | (713) 522-5903 |
| Interfaith of the Woodlands WebWeb | 4242 Interfaith Way The Woodlands, Texas 77381 | (832) 615-8219 | Rent, mortgage, utilities, prescription drugs, food, clothing, emergency shelter, Christmas gifts for kids, primary care, dental, womens health, senior transportation, senior grocery delivery, | Woodlands - 77375, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77384, 77385, 77386, 77389, | (832) 615-8219 |
| My Brother's Keeper Outreach Center (not COH Program) WWebeb | 12713A Bissonnet Houston, TX 77099 | (281) 498-9933 | Rent, utilities, Food, School supplies, Thanksgiving / Christmas Meal Program, Christmas gifts for kids, Easter baskets, | 77031, 77035, 77036, 77042, 77056, 77071, 77072, 77074, 77081, 77082, 77083, 77085, 77096, 77099, 77401, 77477, 77478, | (281) 498-9933 |
| St. Vincent's House - Galveston Web | 2-2817 Alfreda Houston Place Galveston, Texas 77550 | (409) 763-8521 | Vision + Dental clinic, Mental Health Counseling, Speech, Physical Occupational Therapy, Rent, Utilities, Case Management, Transportation, | Galveston - 77591, 77568, 77590, 77563, 77554, 77551, 77550, 77555, 77552, 77553, | (409) 763-8521 |
| Hero Houston WWebeb | 12335 Kingsride, Box 230, Houston, TX 77024 | (713) 932-3996 | Offers services to seniors in the Memorial and Spring Branch area. Transportation to medical appointments, light handyman work, help filling out documents and senior service referrals. | Memorial and Spring Branch area. 77024 77043 77055 77079 77080 | Monday - Friday 8 to 5 |
| Public Utility commission of Texas (PUC) Web | 888.782.8477 or 512.936.7500 | Will not turn of utilities or electricity if you have a need for medical equipment or you are on life support | |||
| COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program web | 866.454.8387 or 888.782.8477 | The Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program (CERP) helps consumers who are having trouble paying bills due to job loss or other related hardship. | Who is eligible for the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Plan? Residential customers that qualify for unemployment or that are low income qualify for the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Plan. Once approved for the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program, you will remain on the program for up to six months. During that time, your electricity provider cannot disconnect your electricity for non-payment. | ||
| Fort Bend County WWeb eb | 301 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469 | 281.238.2273 or 281.633.7795 | Rent and utility assistance | Serves Fort Bend County and zip codes:77406, 77417, 77420, 77430, 77435, 77441, 77444, 77451, 77459, 77461, 77464 77469, 77471, 77476 77478, 77477, 77479 77481, 77485, 77489, 77496, 77494, 77407, 77498, 77545 | Open normal business hours 8 to 5 pm |
Conclusion
If you receive a bill from a hospital in Houston that you cannot afford, you have options.
First, you should speak to someone in the hospital billing department to let them know about your situation and try to work out an arrangement. As much as you may want to stick your head in the sand and hope that the bill goes away, this is not the right way to approach the situation. Doing this could result in your bill going to collections, which would leave you with less favorable options, and possibly increase the total amount that you owe.
These hospitals have financial assistance or charity care programs that specifically help low-income, uninsured, or undocumented patients who cannot afford their medical bills.
Similar Articles That May Interest You:
- How Medicaid Retroactive Coverage Works
- How Hospital Charity Care Programs Help You Pay Hospital Bills
- Hill-Burton Act: A Way To Get Assistance Paying For Healthcare Bills You Cannot Afford
- EMTALA: A Federal Law That Requires Hospitals To Provide Emergency Medical Treatment
- Where To Find Houston Healthcare Clinics For The Homeless
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
