by Sophia Braccio, Cronkite News
March 18, 2026
PHOENIX — Anthony Robinson, 44, said he was shocked when he received two hospital bills totalling over $8,000 for kidney stones treatment. The total was after insurance was applied. He began to think about the changes he would need to make in his life to pay.
Robinson had not heard of hospital financial assistance policies for essential care, sometimes called charity care, but he asked his hospital network, Dignity Health, if they had any programs that could help.
He submitted a financial assistance application in December, assuming the hospital would only be able to forgive a portion of what was owed. In January, his total bill was waived.
“To get 100% of a bill is a blessing,”…