Providing free and discounted health care to those that cannot afford to pay is part of Washington hospitals’ missions, regardless of whether patients have insurance. It is also required by state law. Charity care eligibility is based on family size and income, and each hospital is responsible for maintaining its own charity care program.
About Washington’s Charity Care Law
Washington’s charity care law is administered by the Washington State Department of Health, and the law was established in 1989. The law can be found in the Revised Code of Washington, Chapter 70 Section 170. The rules implementing the law can be found in the Washington Administrative Code at Chapter 246, Section 453.
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