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Down East Community Hospital — Financial Assistance & Charity Care
Machias, Washington County, ME
Under Maine law, Down East Community Hospital must offer free care to eligible low-income and uninsured patients. Here's what the law guarantees — and how to apply.
What Maine law guarantees
Under Maine's hospital financial assistance law (22 M.R.S. §1716-A), Down East Community Hospital must provide FREE care to uninsured patients at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
This is the legal minimum — Down East Community Hospital may offer more generous help. The only way to know is to apply, and applying is always free.
Even if your income is above the free-care limit, Maine law still protects you: for households up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, Down East Community Hospital must offer a payment plan capped at 4% of your monthly income — ask for it.
How to apply
📞 (207) 255-3356When you call, say: “I'd like to apply for financial assistance (charity care) for a hospital bill. Can you send me the application and tell me which documents I need?”
Not sure if you qualify?
Answer 3 quick questions and get a personalized plan plus a ready-to-send request letter — free, in your language.
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