The policy exists. Here's how to get it in your hands.

Where it hides

• The hospital's website: search the hospital's name + "financial assistance policy" or "charity care." Most systems post the FAP, a plain-language summary, and the form as PDFs — often under Billing or Patient Resources.
• The plain-language summary is the 1–2 page version the hospital must offer with bills and at intake. Ask for it by that name if the full policy is heavy going.
• The billing office and financial counselors must provide paper copies on request. Community hospitals sometimes keep them at the registration desk too.
• State hospital association and regulator sites link many member policies (Washington's association publishes member charity policies; California's HCAI enforces its law).

The request, word for word

"Please send me the hospital's financial assistance policy, its plain-language summary, and the application form. I'd also like an itemized bill for account [number]." Four documents, one call. Write down who you spoke to and when — accounts get noted, and a dated FAP request inside your 240-day window is a fact you'll be glad exists.

If they stall

A nonprofit hospital that cannot produce its FAP is out of compliance with the regulation that conditions its tax exemption (26 CFR §1.501(r)-4 requires the policy, the summary, and wide publicity). Say so calmly, in writing, and ask for the compliance or patient-advocate office. If the stall continues, the escalation ladder in the kit applies — up to the IRS Form 13909 complaint, which exists precisely for 501(r) failures. In states with their own laws, the state enforcer (California's HCAI Hospital Bill Complaint Program, your state attorney general) is usually faster.