Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Financial Assistance: Free Care Guide (2026)
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is a 456-bed county-owned safety-net hospital in Colton, California, operated by San Bernardino County. As one of only 13 safety-net hospitals in the state, ARMC provides free charity care for patients at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and tiered discounts for patients up to 500% FPL. ARMC is a Level I trauma center and regional burn center serving the Inland Empire. Because it is a public hospital, ARMC has a broader obligation to treat patients regardless of ability to pay. California law (AB 1020) provides additional protections for all hospital patients.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Charity Care
Patients at 0-100% FPL (single: up to ~$15,960/yr) receive full charity care, meaning zero cost for covered services
Discounts to 500% FPL
Patients at 101-350% FPL pay no more than the Medicare rate. Patients at 351-500% FPL (single: up to ~$79,800/yr) also receive discounts
County-Owned Safety-Net Hospital
Operated by San Bernardino County. Public hospitals have a legal duty to serve all patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement. ARMC must consider your application even if your account has already been sent to collections.
Special Circumstance Discounts
Even if your income is above 500% FPL, ARMC may offer case-by-case discounts for special circumstances. Always ask.
Level I Trauma and Burn Center
ARMC treats 2,500+ trauma patients and 1,000+ stroke patients annually. Financial assistance covers these emergency services.
Eligibility and Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Single Person Income | Family of 4 Income | Assistance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-100% FPL | Up to ~$15,960/yr | Up to ~$33,000/yr | Charity Care: 100% Free |
| 101-350% FPL | ~$16,120 - ~$55,860/yr | ~$33,330 - ~$115,500/yr | Discount: Capped at Medicare Rate |
| 351-500% FPL | ~$56,020 - ~$79,800/yr | ~$115,830 - ~$165,000/yr | Discount: Allowable Discounted Rate |
| Above 500% FPL | Above ~$79,800/yr | Above ~$165,000/yr | Case-by-case special discounts possible |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients who meet income requirements are eligible.
- Assets are not considered when determining eligibility (California law, effective January 2025).
- At 101-350% FPL, your bill is capped at the Medicare reimbursement rate, which is typically 20-40% of standard hospital charges.
- At 351-500% FPL, a discounted rate applies per ARMC financial assistance guidelines.
- Above 500% FPL, special circumstance discounts may still be offered on a case-by-case basis. Always ask.
- Uninsured patients should also be screened for Medi-Cal and Covered California before or during the FA process.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
Why a County Hospital Matters for Your Bill
ARMC is not a private nonprofit or for-profit hospital. It is owned and operated by the County of San Bernardino, which gives patients several advantages when it comes to financial assistance:
- Legal obligation to serve all patients. County hospitals must treat patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. This is not just a policy; it is a legal requirement for publicly funded facilities.
- No profit motive on collections. Unlike private hospitals, ARMC is funded by county tax revenue and does not have shareholders or bondholders pressuring aggressive collection. County hospitals are generally more willing to work with patients on bills.
- Broader discount tiers. ARMC offers discounts up to 500% FPL, with case-by-case exceptions above that. Many private hospitals stop at 400% FPL (the state minimum).
- On-site financial counselors. ARMC has financial counselors available at the Patient Accounts window who can help screen you for Medi-Cal, Covered California, and other county programs in addition to hospital charity care.
- Network of county clinics. ARMC operates multiple primary care and specialty clinics across San Bernardino County, and the financial assistance policy applies to services at these locations as well.
Non-obvious fact: Because ARMC is a county hospital, your bill may already be significantly lower than what a private hospital would charge for the same services. County hospitals typically have lower charge-to-cost ratios. If you received emergency care at ARMC (trauma, burns, stroke), the financial assistance program covers these high-cost services.
California Patient Protections (AB 1020)
California has some of the strongest hospital billing protections in the country. These laws apply to ARMC and every other hospital in the state:
Key California Protections
- Hospitals must offer charity care to patients at or below 400% FPL (ARMC extends this to 500% FPL with its own tiers)
- Eligible patients cannot be charged more than what the hospital would expect from Medicare or Medi-Cal (whichever is greater)
- Hospitals cannot consider monetary assets when determining financial assistance eligibility (as of January 2025)
- Hospitals must provide at least 30 days notice before extraordinary collection actions
- Hospitals cannot sell patient debt unless they have determined the patient is ineligible for financial assistance, or the patient has not responded for 180 days
- As of 2022, the charity care threshold was raised from 350% FPL to 400% FPL
- Patients can file complaints with the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
For more details on your rights as a California patient, see our California Medical Bill Rights guide.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (most recent available)
- Income tax returns (most recent filing)
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income records, if applicable
ARMC limits proof of family income to recent pay stubs or income tax returns. This is simpler than many private hospitals that require bank statements and other financial records.
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Hospital bill or account number
- Household size information
If you have no income documentation (for example, if you are homeless or recently lost your job), explain your situation to a financial counselor. County hospitals are experienced in working with patients in difficult circumstances.
Important: The application must be completed and signed. Incomplete or unsigned applications may be denied. Make sure every required field is filled out before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Free charity care at 0-100% FPL (~$15,960/yr single, ~$33,000/yr family of 4). Discounts capped at Medicare rate for 101-350% FPL. Additional discounts for 351-500% FPL. Case-by-case discounts possible above 500% FPL.
Get the Application
Download from arrowheadregional.org, visit the Patient Accounts window in person (Pharmacy area, 400 N. Pepper Ave, Colton), or call 877-818-0672 to request one by mail.
Gather Your Documents
Collect recent pay stubs or income tax returns, a photo ID, your insurance card (if any), and your hospital bill or account number. ARMC keeps documentation requirements simple compared to many private hospitals.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- In person: Patient Accounts window, Pharmacy area, 400 N. Pepper Ave, Colton, CA 92324 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Mail: ARMC Patient Accounts, 400 N. Pepper Ave, Colton, CA 92324
- Email: patientaccounts@armc.sbcounty.gov
Follow Up
Call 877-818-0672 to confirm receipt and check your application status. A financial counselor will review your application and documentation. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement. ARMC must still consider your application even if you are already in collections, but applying early is much easier.
- Incomplete application: Unsigned or incomplete applications may be denied. Double-check before submitting.
- Not screening for Medi-Cal: If you are uninsured and low-income, ask ARMC to screen you for Medi-Cal. San Bernardino County has expanded Medi-Cal to cover adults up to 138% FPL (and higher for some groups). Medi-Cal may cover your bill retroactively.
- Ignoring your bill: Do not wait. Contact ARMC early if you cannot pay. The sooner you apply, the more options you have.
- Not asking about special circumstances: Even above 500% FPL, ARMC can offer case-by-case discounts. A large medical bill relative to your income may qualify.
Struggling with an ARMC Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your Arrowhead Regional Medical Center bills, verify you are being charged correctly under California law, and negotiate on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillPayment Plans
If you do not qualify for full charity care or still have a remaining balance after financial assistance is applied, ARMC offers payment plan options:
- Payment plan terms can be negotiated with the Patient Accounts department
- Contact Patient Accounts at 877-818-0672 to arrange a payment plan
- Visit the Patient Accounts window in person (Pharmacy area, 400 N. Pepper Ave) for face-to-face help
- Payment plans should be arranged before your account is sent to collections
Non-obvious tip: County hospitals are generally more flexible on payment plan terms than private hospitals. If the standard payment plan amount is too high, ask to speak with a supervisor about reducing the monthly payment. ARMC would rather collect something than nothing.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Patient Accounts
Call 877-818-0672 or visit the Patient Accounts window to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above the threshold, incomplete documentation, or an unsigned application. Ask specifically what was missing or what disqualified you.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Make sure it is signed and fully filled out. If your income fluctuates (seasonal work, gig economy), provide documentation that reflects your actual earnings during the period of care.
3. Ask About Special Circumstances
ARMC policy allows special circumstance discounts on a case-by-case basis, even for patients above 500% FPL. If you have a large bill relative to your income (for example, a trauma or burn center stay), request a review under the special circumstances provision.
4. File a Complaint with California HCAI
If you believe ARMC is not following California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). HCAI has enforcement authority and publishes all hospital charity care policies online.
5. Explore Other Options
- Medi-Cal: California's Medicaid program covers residents up to 138% FPL (and higher for some groups). Medi-Cal can cover bills retroactively up to 3 months.
- Covered California: Marketplace insurance with subsidies for low and moderate income residents
- Dollar For: A nonprofit that provides free help applying for hospital charity care. They can advocate on your behalf at no cost.
- San Bernardino County DPSS: The county Department of Public Social Services can screen you for additional public benefit programs
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or services you did not receive
- Negotiate directly: Even without FA eligibility, you may be able to negotiate a reduced amount
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your ARMC bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Accounts (Billing and FA)
Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (closed county holidays)
Hospital Main Line
Mail Application To
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for free care at ARMC?
Patients with household income at or below 100% FPL (~$15,960/yr single, ~$33,000/yr family of 4) qualify for full charity care (100% free). Patients between 101-350% FPL qualify for discounts capped at the Medicare rate. Patients between 351-500% FPL receive additional discounts. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible, and assets are not considered under California law.
What is the difference between the tiers (100%, 350%, 500% FPL)?
At 0-100% FPL, you receive completely free care. At 101-350% FPL, your charges are capped at the Medicare reimbursement rate, which is typically a fraction of the hospital's standard charges. At 351-500% FPL, you receive a discounted rate per ARMC guidelines. Above 500% FPL, special circumstance discounts may be available on a case-by-case basis.
Is ARMC the same as San Bernardino County Medical Center?
Yes. Arrowhead Regional Medical Center is the county hospital for San Bernardino County. The current facility opened in 1999, replacing the former San Bernardino County Medical Center. It is funded by county tax revenue and governed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. ARMC also operates multiple outpatient clinics across the county.
Can ARMC consider my savings or assets?
No. As of January 2025, California law prohibits hospitals from considering a patient's monetary assets when determining financial assistance eligibility. Only income and household size are used. This applies to all California hospitals, including ARMC.
What if I am undocumented?
ARMC's financial assistance program does not require proof of citizenship or immigration status. As a county safety-net hospital, ARMC serves all residents of San Bernardino County. You may also qualify for Emergency Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status, which covers emergency room visits and labor and delivery.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 240 days from the date of your first billing statement. ARMC must consider your application even if your account has already been sent to collections. However, applying early gives you the best chance of a smooth process. Do not wait for a collection notice to take action.
Does financial assistance cover ARMC clinic visits?
ARMC operates multiple primary care centers and provides more than 40 outpatient specialty care services. The financial assistance policy applies to ARMC facility charges. Contact Patient Accounts at 877-818-0672 to confirm coverage for your specific clinic or service location.
Need Help with Your ARMC Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Arrowhead Regional Medical Center on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Start Your Free Case ReviewThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available Arrowhead Regional Medical Center financial assistance policies (effective January 1, 2026) and California state law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with ARMC Patient Accounts at 877-818-0672 or visit arrowheadregional.org. ARMC is owned and operated by the County of San Bernardino.