While hospital financial assistance programs help protect low-income patients from overwhelming medical costs, a loophole in the system has left many with unexpected bills, even when they qualify for “full” coverage of hospital charges, CBS News reported Sept. 22. Nonprofit hospitals are required to provide free or discounted care to patients who are eligible to ensure their tax-exempt status. While for-profit hospitals are not required to offer financial assistance to patients in need, they often do.

The policies don’t always apply to hospital providers that treat patients if they work as independent contractors versus employees. In fact, a June 2025 Lown Institute analysis found that provider services like anesthesia, emergency, pathology and radiology specialties can easily be omitted

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