# Highlands Cashiers Hospital

Hospital in Highlands, NC. From the state program, North Carolina Medical Debt Mitigation Program (NCDHHS, through the Medicaid HASP program).

Highlands Cashiers Hospital likely gives free care to households with a yearly income up to $31,920 for 1 person, $43,280 for 2, $54,640 for 3, $66,000 for 4, $77,360 for 5 or $88,720 for 6. It likely gives a discount to households with a yearly income up to $47,880 for 1 person, $64,920 for 2, $81,960 for 3, $99,000 for 4, $116,040 for 5 or $133,080 for 6.

The hospital makes the final decision.

| Household size | Free care if yearly income is up to | Discount if yearly income is up to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $31,920 | $47,880 |
| 2 | $43,280 | $64,920 |
| 3 | $54,640 | $81,960 |
| 4 | $66,000 | $99,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 | $116,040 |
| 6 | $88,720 | $133,080 |

Dollar amounts use the 2026 federal poverty guidelines.

## How to apply

- Call (828) 526-1200 and ask for financial assistance.
- We do not have the deadline yet. Apply as soon as you get a bill, and ask the billing office to pause collections while you apply.

## If you have insurance

If you have insurance, ask whether this policy helps with deductibles and copays.
Keep your insurance. Financial assistance covers bills from this one place only.

## State program in North Carolina

### North Carolina Medical Debt Mitigation Program (NCDHHS, through the Medicaid HASP program) (the numbers above come from this program)

North Carolina's acute care hospitals agreed with the state health department (NCDHHS) to follow set charity care rules in return for higher Medicaid payments. Every eligible hospital signed on. For North Carolina residents, hospital bills are 100% discounted below 200% of the federal poverty level. Between 200% and 250% the discount is at least 75%. Between 250% and 300% it is at least 50%. The discounts apply to insured and uninsured patients, but hospitals do not have to discount insurance copays. For emergency room care, a hospital may still charge a small fee of up to $35. Since January 1, 2026, hospitals must screen patients and give these discounts without an application when household income looks to be at or below 300% of the poverty level. You may also apply yourself. The rules cover the hospital's own bill, not separate doctor or pharmacy bills. This is a state program agreement, not a state law.

Income levels in the program are free up to 200%, discount up to 300% of poverty level.

Applies to the acute care and critical access hospitals on NCDHHS's list of participating hospitals; North Carolina residents (hospitals may choose to help non-residents).

How to apply. Most patients should be screened automatically. You can also ask the hospital's financial assistance office to apply under its Medical Debt Mitigation Policy. Each hospital's policy is linked from NCDHHS at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/hospital-financial-assistance-policies/open. Questions: NCDHHS Customer Service Center, 1-800-662-7030.

> Discount of 100% for individuals with incomes below 200% FPL.

Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/medical-debt-toolkit/download?attachment, checked 2026-11-11

## Sources

- North Carolina Medical Debt Mitigation Program (NCDHHS, through the Medicaid HASP program) https://www.ncdhhs.gov/medical-debt-toolkit/download?attachment
  > Discount of 100% for individuals with incomes below 200% FPL.

Last checked 2026-11-11.

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