Banner Health Financial Assistance: Free Care at 200% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Banner Health offers free care (charity care) for uninsured patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus discounted care for those earning up to 400% FPL. As a nonprofit 501(r) hospital system operating 30+ hospitals across Arizona and Colorado, Banner is required to offer financial assistance and cannot charge eligible patients more than the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL (single: up to ~$31,920/yr) receive full charity care for medically necessary services
Discounted Care to 400% FPL
Patients at 201-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) pay no more than 1.25x AGB (Amounts Generally Billed to insured patients)
30+ Hospitals Covered
Across Arizona (primarily Phoenix metro and Tucson) and Colorado, including academic medical centers
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement. 120-day moratorium on extraordinary collection actions.
Medically Indigent? You May Also Qualify
If your medical expenses (Banner and non-Banner combined) over the past 12 months exceed 50% of your household income, you may qualify for assistance regardless of FPL level.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | 100% Free Care (Charity Care) |
| 201-300% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$47,880/yr | Discounted care (capped at 1.25x AGB) |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | Discounted care (capped at 1.25x AGB) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
| Medically Indigent | Any income level | Eligible if medical bills exceed 50% of household income (prior 12 months) |
Important Notes
- Three patient categories: Uninsured (no insurance), Underinsured (insurance but high out-of-pocket costs), and Medically Indigent (medical bills exceed 50% of income).
- Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid and AHCCCS screening before FA eligibility is determined.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Banner will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Discounted care patients are charged no more than 1.25x AGB for medically necessary services.
- Financial assistance covers medically necessary and emergency services only.
30+ Hospitals Covered (Arizona & Colorado)
Academic Medical Centers
Arizona Hospitals (Phoenix Metro & Beyond)
Colorado Hospitals
Banner also operates hospitals in Wyoming, Nebraska, Nevada, and California. Contact (888) 264-2127 to confirm your facility is covered. Plus dozens of urgent care centers, surgery centers, and physician offices.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (at least 2-3 months)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Documentation of all household income sources
- Self-employment records (if applicable)
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of household size
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Medical expense records from past 12 months (for medically indigent category)
- Banner account number or billing statement
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Make sure every required field is filled out, the application is signed, and all supporting documents are attached before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Free care for uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single). Discounted care for 201-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Medically indigent patients may qualify at any income level if medical expenses exceed 50% of household income.
Contact Patient Financial Services
Call (888) 264-2127 (Mon-Thu 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-12pm MST) or visit the financial counseling office at any Banner hospital. A counselor can help determine which assistance category best fits your situation.
Complete the Application
Download the Financial Assistance Application from bannerhealth.com (select your state/region) or request one by phone. Fill out completely with household income, family size, and attach all supporting documents.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail: Send to the address listed on your application form (varies by region)
- Email: Send to the email address provided on the application form
- In person: Patient Financial Services or Admitting at any Banner hospital
Follow Up
Call (888) 264-2127 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. If additional information is needed, respond promptly to avoid delays.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Missing documents or unsigned forms will delay or prevent approval.
- Skipping Medicaid/AHCCCS screening: Uninsured patients must cooperate with government program screening before FA is determined.
- Wrong region form: Banner has separate application forms for Arizona and Colorado. Make sure you use the correct one.
- Not including all medical expenses: For medically indigent eligibility, include all medical bills (Banner and non-Banner) from the past 12 months.
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CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify errors, and negotiate with Banner Health on your behalf. No upfront cost, and you only pay if we save you money.
Get Help with Your BillArizona Surprise Billing Protections
Arizona has its own surprise billing law (the SOONBDR program) in addition to the federal No Surprises Act. Both protect you from unexpected out-of-network charges.
Your Protections
- Emergency services: You cannot be balance billed for emergency care at out-of-network facilities. You only owe in-network cost-sharing amounts.
- In-network facility protections: Out-of-network providers at in-network Banner facilities (such as anesthesiologists, radiologists, and pathologists) cannot balance bill you without prior written disclosure.
- Good faith estimates: Uninsured patients can request a good faith estimate before receiving care. If your bill exceeds the estimate by $400 or more, you can dispute it.
- SOONBDR program: Arizona's dispute resolution program is free for patients to use. File complaints through the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI).
Payment Plans & Other Options
Even if you do not qualify for financial assistance, Banner Health offers several options to help manage your bill:
- Interest-free payment plans: Banner offers payment arrangements to break your balance into manageable monthly installments.
- Online bill pay: Manage your account and make payments through the Banner Health patient portal at bannerhealth.com.
- Prompt pay discount: Ask about discounts for paying your balance in full within a specified timeframe.
- AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid): If you are uninsured, Banner can help screen you for Arizona's Medicaid program, which covers individuals up to 138% FPL.
- Request an itemized bill: Always review your itemized bill for errors before paying. Billing mistakes are common.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Patient Financial Services
Call (888) 264-2127 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, missing signature, or failure to cooperate with Medicaid/AHCCCS screening.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Double-check that the form is signed, all fields are complete, and supporting documents are attached.
3. Explore the Medically Indigent Category
Even if your income exceeds 400% FPL, you may qualify as medically indigent if your medical expenses (Banner and non-Banner combined) over the past 12 months exceed 50% of your household income. Gather all medical bills and reapply.
4. Explore Other Options
- AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid): Covers residents up to 138% FPL
- Payment plans: Banner offers interest-free installment arrangements
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or duplicate billing
- Negotiate directly: Call billing and ask about reduced rates or settlement offers
- Good faith estimate disputes: If uninsured and your bill exceeds the estimate by $400+, dispute through the federal process
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Banner Health bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Financial Services
Mon-Thu 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-12pm (MST)
Online & In Person
Official Policy Documents
- Financial Assistance Main Page
- Summary of Financial Assistance Programs & Application (PDF)
- Arizona Region Financial Assistance
- Colorado Region Financial Assistance
Applications and policy documents are available in Spanish and other languages. Call (888) 264-2127 or ask at any Banner admitting area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Banner Health financial assistance?
Uninsured patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Patients with income up to 400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) qualify for discounted care. Underinsured patients and medically indigent patients (medical expenses exceeding 50% of household income) are also eligible.
What is the difference between free care and discounted care?
Free care (charity care) means 100% of your bill for medically necessary services is written off. This applies to uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL. Discounted care means your charges are capped at 1.25 times the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients. This applies to patients at 201-400% FPL.
Does Banner Health help insured patients?
Yes. Underinsured patients (those with insurance but high out-of-pocket costs that exceed their financial ability) are eligible for financial assistance. Additionally, if your total medical expenses over the past 12 months exceed 50% of your household income, you may qualify as medically indigent regardless of insurance status.
What is Arizona's surprise billing law?
Arizona's SOONBDR program (along with the federal No Surprises Act) protects patients from surprise bills for emergency services and for out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. You cannot be balance billed for emergency care, and the dispute resolution process is free for patients. Contact Arizona DIFI to file a complaint.
Can I apply after my bill goes to collections?
Yes, as long as you apply within 240 days of your first billing statement. Under federal 501(r) rules, Banner cannot initiate extraordinary collection actions (wage garnishments, liens, credit reporting) for at least 120 days from the initial billing date, and must provide 30 days written notice before any ECAs.
Are Banner Health hospitals in other states covered?
Banner Health also operates facilities in Wyoming, Nebraska, Nevada, and California. The financial assistance policy applies to all Banner Health hospital facilities, though specific application forms and thresholds may vary by region. Contact (888) 264-2127 to confirm coverage for your specific facility.
Need Help with Your Banner Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Banner Health 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 Banner Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Banner Health at (888) 264-2127 or visit bannerhealth.com.