We have not yet read Vermont’s own laws on hospital bills; this page covers each hospital’s own policy and the federal rules for nonprofit hospitals.
Have a bill from one of these hospitals?
Check it for free: your browser reads it, and we name the first thing worth asking the billing office about. The full list, with the exact questions to ask, is $6.99 for one bill, or included with Pro at $9.99 a month.
16 Vermont hospitals, by town.
Nonprofit and government hospitals
Central Vermont Medical Center
Barre, Washington County · Nonprofit, general acute care · University of Vermont Health Network
- Free care
- Up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $82,500 a year for a family of four in 2026.
The policy says
“Eligible patients shall receive free care (a 100% discount on self-pay balances) when their modified adjusted gross household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPLG).”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Discounts
- Up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $132,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“Eligible uninsured patients with modified adjusted gross household income between 250% and 400% of the FPLG shall receive an additional 40% discount from the amount generally billed for the services received.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- Applications accepted at any time during the collection process
The policy says
“Application Period: UVMH will process complete applications submitted by individuals at any time during the collection process.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Financial assistance policyPlain language summaryApplication
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Bennington, Bennington County · Nonprofit, general acute care · Dartmouth Health
- Free care
- Up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $82,500 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“• For insured patients whose household income is at or below 250% of FPL, we will waive (i.e., 100% discount) all out-of-pocket costs for emergency and medically necessary services rendered (i.e., the care is free).”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Discounts
- Up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $132,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“• For insured patients whose household income is between 250% FPL and 400% FPL, we will discount all out-of-pocket costs for emergency and medically necessary services rendered by 70%.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- 365 days from first billing statement
The policy says
“The application period begins on the date a billing statement for the patient balance of care is first presented and ends 365 days later.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Financial assistance policyPlain language summaryApplication
Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital
Berlin, Washington County · Government, psychiatric
We could not read its financial assistance policy on 2026-11-09 (we found no policy). Ask the billing office for the policy and the application.
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Brattleboro, Windham County · Nonprofit, general acute care
We could not read its financial assistance policy on 2026-11-09 (its website did not open for us). Ask the billing office for the policy and the application.
Brattleboro Retreat
Brattleboro, Windham County · Nonprofit, psychiatric
- Free care
- Up to 300% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $99,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.
The policy says
“Free care You could get free care if your household income is below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Discounts
- Up to 600% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $198,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.
The policy says
“Low-cost care You could get a 25% to 75% discount if your household income is below 301%-600% of the Federal Poverty Level.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- 365 days from application start
The policy says
“the application period begins on the date the FAP application is initiated and ends 365 days later.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Financial assistance policyPlain language summaryApplication
University of Vermont Medical Center
Burlington, Chittenden County · Nonprofit, general acute care · University of Vermont Health Network
- Free care
- Up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $82,500 a year for a family of four in 2026.
The policy says
“Eligible patients shall receive free care (a 100% discount on self-pay balances) when their modified adjusted gross household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPLG).”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Discounts
- Up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $132,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“Eligible uninsured patients with modified adjusted gross household income between 250% and 400% of the FPLG shall receive an additional 40% discount from the amount generally billed for the services received.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- Applications accepted at any time during the collection process
The policy says
“Application Period: UVMH will process complete applications submitted by individuals at any time during the collection process.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Financial assistance policyPlain language summaryApplication
Porter Medical Center
Middlebury, Addison County · Nonprofit, critical access · UVM Health Network
- Free care
- Up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $82,500 a year for a family of four in 2026.
The policy says
“Eligible patients shall receive free care (a 100% discount on self-pay balances) when their modified adjusted gross household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPLG).”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Discounts
- Up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $132,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“Eligible uninsured patients with modified adjusted gross household income between 250% and 400% of the FPLG shall receive an additional 40% discount from the amount generally billed for the services received.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- any time during the collection process
The policy says
“Application Period: UVMH will process complete applications submitted by individuals at any time during the collection process.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Copley Hospital
Morrisville, Lamoille County · Nonprofit, critical access
- Free care
- Up to 300% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $99,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.
The policy says
“Free care You could get free care (pay $0) if your household income is below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Discounts
- Up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $132,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.
The policy says
“Low-cost care You could get a 50% discount (or more) if your household income and assets resources are below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- 240 days from first bill
The policy says
“If you apply after you get services, you must do this within 240 days of getting the first bill.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
North Country Hospital
Newport, Orleans County · Nonprofit, critical access
- Free care
- Up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $82,500 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“For insured patients whose household income is at or below 250% of FPL, we will waive (i.e., 100% discount) all out-of-pocket costs for emergency and medically necessary services rendered (i.e., the care is free).”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Discounts
- Up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $132,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“For insured patients whose household income is between 250% FPL and 400% FPL, we will discount all out-of-pocket costs for emergency and medically necessary services rendered by 40%.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- 365 days from billing statement
The policy says
“The application period begins on the date a billing statement for the patient balance of care is first presented and ends 365 days later.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Gifford Medical Center
Randolph, Orange County · Nonprofit, critical access
We could not read its financial assistance policy on 2026-11-09 (its website did not open for us). Ask the billing office for the policy and the application.
Rutland Regional Medical Center
Rutland, Rutland County · Nonprofit, general acute care
We could not read its financial assistance policy on 2026-11-09 (its website did not open for us). Ask the billing office for the policy and the application.
Northwestern Medical Center
Saint Albans, Franklin County · Nonprofit, general acute care
- Free care
- Up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $82,500 a year for a family of four in 2026.
The policy says
“Free care is granted to eligible patients whose household income is at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPLG).”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- Up to 240 days after the first billing statement
The policy says
“Northwestern Medical Center will accept and process a financial assistance application for a period up to 240 days after NMC provides the first billing statement to the patient.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Financial assistance policyPlain language summaryApplication
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
Saint Johnsbury, Caledonia County · Nonprofit, critical access
- Discounts
- Up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $132,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“ For insured patients whose household i ncome is between 2 51% FPL and 400% FPL, we will discount all out -of-pocket costs for emergency and medically necessary services rendered by between 50-70%.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- 240 days from billing statement
The policy says
“Application Period: NVRH will process applications submitted by individuals during the application period which begins on the date a billing statement for the patient balance of care is presented and ends 240 days later.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Springfield Hospital
Springfield, Windsor County · Nonprofit, critical access
- Free care
- Up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $82,500 a year for a family of four in 2026.
The policy says
“FREE CARE You could get free care (pay $0) if your household income is below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Discounts
- Up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $132,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.
The policy says
“LOW-COST CARE You could get a 50%-80% discount if your household income is below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- 240 days from first bill
The policy says
“If you apply after you get services, you must do this within 240 days of receiving the first bill.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Financial assistance policyHospital’s financial assistance pageApplication
Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital
Townshend, Windham County · Nonprofit, critical access
- Free care
- Up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $82,500 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“• For insured patients whose household income is at or below 250% of FPL, we will waive (i.e., 100% discount) all out-of-pocket costs for emergency and medically necessary services rendered (i.e., the care is free).”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Discounts
- Up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $132,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“• For insured patients whose household income is between 350% FPL and 400% FPL, we will discount all out-of-pocket costs for emergency and medically necessary services rendered by 40%.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Financial assistance policyPlain language summaryApplication
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
Windsor, Windsor County · Nonprofit, critical access · Dartmouth Health
- Free care
- Up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $82,500 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“For insured patients whose household income is at or below 250% of FPL, we will waive (i.e., 100% discount) all out-of-pocket costs for emergency and medically necessary services rendered (i.e., the care is free).”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Discounts
- Up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines: about $132,000 a year for a family of four in 2026.Only for some patients, for example by insurance, residence or savings: the policy’s words below say which.
The policy says
“For insured patients whose household income is: • 251%-300% of FPL, the discount will be 75% • 301%-350% of FPL, the discount will be 50% • 351%-400% of FPL, the discount will be 40%”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
- Timing
- Any time, before, during or after service, including after collections
The policy says
“A patient can apply for financial assistance any time before, during, and after service is provided, including after an account has been referred to an outside collection agency.”
Read on this document, 2026-11-09.
Financial assistance policyPlain language summaryApplication
Federal rules for nonprofit hospitals
- A nonprofit hospital must have a written financial assistance policy. There is no federal income level: the policy sets its own criteria.
- It must accept applications for at least 240 days after the first bill sent after you leave.
- For patients it finds eligible, charges for emergency and other medically necessary care are limited to the amounts generally billed to people with insurance.
- These rules apply to hospitals recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3), including government hospitals with that status.
More in the hospital charity care guide.
What to ask the billing office
- Ask for the financial assistance policy, the application and the plain language summary.
- Ask which income limit applies to your household and what counts as income.
- Ask whether the doctors who treated you are covered by the policy or bill separately.
- Ask until when you can still apply for the bill you have, and ask for the answer in writing.
The free financial assistance letter asks for all three papers. Denied? How to appeal or reapply. Already paid? How applying after you have paid works. Compare large health systems on the hospital list.
Helping people with hospital bills in Vermont?
Send them this page. With a client link from your organization they also get Pro at no cost to them: the full list for every bill, the questions to ask and a letter. A free pilot is available on request.
Sources
The list of hospitals, their towns, counties and ownership come from Hospital General Information (CMS Provider Data Catalog), modified 2026-07-22. Ownership is CMS’s label, not a tax ruling. We left out the 1 hospitals the CMS file lists under federal ownership, such as VA and military hospitals.
Each figure comes from the hospital’s own policy, which every figure links to, with the policy’s words and the day we read it (2026-11-09). We used AI reading tools, and a second independent check compared each quote and figure with the policy text. A figure that was not confirmed is left out. Dollar amounts use the 2026 federal poverty guidelines for the 48 states and Washington, DC (91 FR 1797).
We are not part of any of these hospitals. Policies change, and the hospital decides from its own form, with conditions such as assets or residency that the policy sets. If what you read here differs from the current policy, the policy counts. A correction? Tell us on the Support page.
MedBillCheckup provides informational assistance only. It does not determine whether a charge is medically necessary, fraudulent, illegal, or definitively incorrect, and it is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer, doctor, insurer, or certified medical billing specialist.