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. In fact, a June 2025 Lown Institute analysis found that provider services like anesthesia, emergency, pathology and radiology specialties can easily be omitted from hospital charity care. Concerns have also been raised about another potential barrier that prevents patients from accessing hospital financial assistance. Colorado’s Hospital Discounted Care law, which went into effect in September 2022, requires covered hospitals and licensed providers that practice within them to provide reduced rates to patients who qualify.