How the Benevolent Fund reviews requests.
The policy that governs financial assistance and medical debt relief at Newpath Medical.
Adopted by the Board: January 9, 2026
What the policy covers
The Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) describes how Newpath Medical reviews requests for assistance under our Benevolent Fund. Eligibility is determined case-by-case using Federal Poverty Guidelines and other documented hardship criteria.
Assistance can take several forms: direct payment toward an outstanding bill, reduction of an existing balance, or full payment of an approved medical expense. Approval is discretionary, not guaranteed, and depends on available charitable resources.
Newpath Medical allocates at least 10% of its annual net care surplus to the Benevolent Fund. At least 50% of Benevolent Fund resources are reserved for individuals who aren't members of the cost-sharing community. The full allocation framework is set out in the Benevolent Fund Policy.
1. Purpose
Newpath Medical Inc. (“Newpath” or the “Organization”) is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Consistent with its mission to expand access to affordable healthcare and reduce the burden of medical debt, Newpath maintains a Benevolent Fund to provide financial assistance to qualifying individuals experiencing medical hardship.
This Financial Assistance Policy (“FAP”) establishes a fair, transparent, and consistent framework for evaluating eligibility and administering assistance.
Financial assistance determinations are discretionary and do not create a contractual entitlement or guarantee of payment.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- Active members of Newpath's voluntary healthcare cost-sharing platform.
- Former members or transitioning Members experiencing residual hardship.
- Non-members from the general public who demonstrate qualifying medical hardship.
Financial assistance may take the form of:
- Payment or reimbursement of eligible medical expenses.
- Medical debt retirement assistance.
- Temporary suspension or waiver of voluntary contributions.
- Assistance in negotiating or reducing medical bills.
- Referral and navigation assistance to governmental or charitable healthcare programs.
No membership status is required for eligibility for Benevolent Fund assistance.
3. Principles
The Financial Assistance Program is guided by the following principles:
- Public Benefit Priority – A portion of Benevolent Fund resources shall be dedicated annually to serving individuals not required to be members.
- Equity – Assistance shall be administered without discrimination.
- Stewardship – Funds shall be distributed responsibly to preserve long-term sustainability.
- No Denial for Insufficient Funds – The Organization will not deny assistance solely due to insufficient internal funds but will seek alternative charitable or governmental solutions when necessary.
4. Definitions
Financial Assistance (FA): Partial or full grant of assistance for eligible medical expenses based on demonstrated financial hardship.
Benevolent Fund: Restricted charitable funds allocated for hardship assistance and public medical debt relief.
Medically Necessary Care: Services reasonably required to diagnose or treat illness or injury, consistent with generally accepted standards of medical practice.
Family/Household: Individuals claimed as dependents under IRS guidelines or living within the same household unit.
Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG): Annual income thresholds published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Catastrophic Medical Expense: Medical expenses exceeding 15% of annual household income.
5. Eligibility Criteria
5.1 Income-Based Eligibility Using 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines
Newpath Medical Inc. determines income eligibility using the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), effective January 2025.
For reference, the 2025 FPG annual income thresholds are:
| Household Size | 100% FPG |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 |
| 2 | $21,150 |
| 3 | $26,650 |
| 4 | $32,150 |
| 5 | $37,650 |
| 6 | $43,150 |
| 7 | $48,650 |
| 8 | $54,150 |
For each additional household member above eight (8), add $5,550.
The Organization intentionally adopts expanded income tiers to ensure broad access to assistance, particularly for underinsured individuals who may not qualify for Medicaid but face substantial medical burden.
5.2 Assistance Tiers (Based on Percentage of 2025 FPG)
Financial assistance eligibility shall be determined as follows:
| Income Level (Percentage of 2025 FPG) | Assistance Level |
|---|---|
| ≤ 300% of FPG | Eligible for up to 100% assistance |
| 301% – 500% of FPG | Eligible for up to 75% assistance |
| 501% – 700% of FPG | Eligible for up to 50% assistance |
| > 700% of FPG | May qualify under catastrophic or extraordinary hardship review |
These expanded tiers reflect Newpath's charitable mission to assist individuals who may not qualify for Medicaid or other public programs, but who nevertheless face significant medical financial burden.
5.3 Catastrophic Medical Expense Override
Regardless of income level, an applicant may qualify for assistance if:
- Medical expenses exceed fifteen percent (15%) of annual household income;
- The applicant faces bankruptcy due to medical debt;
- There is documented loss of income;
- The applicant is enrolled in Medicaid or similar public assistance;
- Extraordinary medical or financial circumstances are present.
All such determinations are subject to review and approval by the Financial Assistance Committee.
5.4 Annual Updates
The Organization shall update all Federal Poverty Guideline references annually in accordance with the most recently published HHS guidelines. Assistance determinations shall use the guidelines in effect at the time of application review.
6. Member Contribution Flexibility
Newpath operates as a voluntary cost-sharing community. Contributions are voluntary and intended to sustain communal sharing capacity.
Members may:
- Suspend contributions for up to three (3) consecutive months without automatic termination.
- Apply for hardship review during periods of financial difficulty.
- Receive temporary suspension or waiver of contributions for up to twelve (12) months if financial assistance is granted.
Failure to contribute does not create a debt obligation. Continued participation eligibility may be reviewed after extended non-contribution, subject to hardship outreach procedures.
7. Application Process
7.1 Standard Application
Applicants must submit:
- Proof of income (tax return, pay stubs, benefit statements);
- Documentation of medical expenses;
- Statement of hardship;
- Asset information (if requested).
Applications should be submitted within 240 days of the qualifying medical expense.
7.2 Presumptive Eligibility
Assistance may be granted without full documentation when:
- Applicant is enrolled in Medicaid or similar public assistance;
- Applicant qualifies under automatic hardship screening;
- Applicant is referred by approved partner organizations.
8. Determination Process
The Financial Assistance Committee (appointed by the Board) reviews all applications. A review of the application and determinations are rendered within 30 days of receiving complete documentation. All Applicants will receive written notification of approval or denial. Appeals may be submitted within 30 days of denial. All deliberations shall comply with the Conflict of Interest Policy.
9. Duration
Financial assistance approvals are valid for 12 months unless otherwise specified. Applicants may reapply if hardship persists.
10. Public Benefit Allocation
Consistent with Board policy, a designated portion of Benevolent Fund resources shall be reserved annually for medical debt retirement and assistance benefiting individuals who are not required to be members. No membership shall be required for eligibility for public-benefit allocations.
11. Funding Sources
The Benevolent Fund may be funded by: Allocated percentage of annual Net Care Surplus or Board-directed allocations.
12. Confidentiality
All applicant information shall be handled in compliance with applicable privacy laws and internal confidentiality policies.
13. Equal Opportunity
Financial assistance shall be provided without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any protected classification.
14. Public Availability
This policy shall be:
- Posted publicly on the Organization's website;
- Available in printed form upon request;
- Provided in plain-language summary form;
- Translated where appropriate to serve community needs.
15. Amendments
The Board of Directors may amend this policy by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, consistent with the Bylaws.
Adopted January 9th, 2026.