Baylor Scott & White Financial Assistance (Charity Care): How to Qualify & Apply

Complete guide to Baylor Scott & White Health Financial Assistance Program (FAP), including eligibility requirements, income limits, required documents, and step-by-step application instructions.

Quick Facts

100% Free Care

Income at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level

Discounted Care

201-500% Federal Poverty Level + high medical bills

Geographic Requirement

TX service area for non-emergency

1-800-994-0371

Patient Financial Services

Eligibility at a Glance (Federal Poverty Level Table)

Income LevelFamily of 1Family of 2Family of 3Family of 4Discount
200% FPL or belowUp to $31,200Up to $42,380Up to $53,560Up to $64,740100% Free
201-500% FPL$31,201-$78,000$42,381-$105,950$53,561-$133,900$64,741-$161,850Discount Available*
Above 500% FPLAbove $78,000Above $105,950Above $133,900Above $161,850Not eligible

*2025 Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Add $5,380 for each additional family member.

*High Medical Bills Requirement (201-500% Federal Poverty Level):

To qualify for discounted care, your Baylor Scott & White medical bills (after insurance) must be at least 5% of your yearly household income.

How the Discount is Calculated:

Your out-of-pocket amount is capped at the lowest of:

  • Your current account balance
  • 10% of gross charges (hospital's before-discount "list price")
  • The AGB cap (amounts generally billed to insured patients)

Example: Hospital's original price $50,000 → 10% = $5,000; your current balance $10,000; insurance cap $15,000 → you pay the lowest amount: $5,000.

What You'll Need (Documents Checklist)

Income Verification (Required)

  • Last 2 months of pay stubs OR
  • Most recent W-2 forms OR
  • Prior year tax return (all pages)
  • Unemployment/disability award letters

Asset Documentation

  • Last 3 months bank statements (all accounts)
  • Investment account statements (if applicable)

Identification & Household

  • Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Birth certificates for dependents

Tip: Make copies of all documents before submitting. Keep originals for your records.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1

Check Your Eligibility

Review the income table above. Calculate your household income including all sources: wages, self-employment, unemployment, disability, Social Security, etc.

5 minutes

2

Gather Documents

Collect all required documents from the checklist. Having everything ready speeds up approval.

15 minutes

3

Get the Application

Visit the BSW Financial Assistance page online, submit the Patient Billing Help Form, call 1-800-994-0371, or visit any Baylor Scott & White registration desk.

5 minutes

4

Complete Application

Fill out all sections completely. Include all household members. List all income sources. Sign and date.

20 minutes

5

Submit Your Application

Mail to: Baylor Scott & White Health, PO Box 650996, Dallas, TX 75265-0996. Or fax to: 254-899-4679. Or deliver in person to any registration desk.

5 minutes

6

Follow Up

Call after 7 business days to check status. Reference your account number. Be ready to provide additional documents if requested.

Ongoing

Timelines, Status & Appeals

Processing Times

  • Complete Application:7-14 business days
  • Incomplete Application:30+ days (waiting for documents)
  • Appeal Review:15-30 business days

Check Your Status

Call: 1-800-994-0371

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm CT

Have ready: Account number, patient name, date of birth

If Denied: Appeal Process

  1. 1.Submit appeal within 30 days of denial letter date
  2. 2.Include: Written statement explaining why you disagree, any new documentation, proof of changed circumstances
  3. 3.Mail to same address or fax to 254-899-4679 with "APPEAL" clearly marked
  4. 4.Request billing hold during appeal review to prevent collections

Common Pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

⚠️ Missing Documents

Solution: Submit ALL required documents at once. Partial applications delay processing significantly.

⚠️ Not Including All Income

Solution: List every income source for all household members. Omissions can result in denial or legal issues.

⚠️ Wrong Household Size

Solution: Include everyone in your tax household, not just immediate family. Review IRS household definition if unsure.

⚠️ Missing Deadlines

Solution: Apply within 240 days of first bill. Mark calendar for follow-ups. Respond to requests within timeframes given.

⚠️ Not Following Up

Solution: Call after 7 days to confirm receipt. Many applications sit waiting for one missing document.

Contacts & Official Links

Patient Financial Services

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Central

Mailing Address

Fax Number

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for Baylor Scott & White financial assistance?
Patients with household income up to 500% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify. Those at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level receive 100% discount, while 201-500% Federal Poverty Level may receive discounted care if they have high medical bills (BSW bills at least 5% of annual income). Emergency care is available to all patients; non-emergency care requires Texas service area residency.
What documents do I need to apply for Baylor Scott & White charity care?
Essential documents include: recent pay stubs or W-2 forms, tax returns, bank statements for all accounts, proof of household size (birth certificates for dependents), and photo ID. If receiving unemployment or disability benefits, include award letters. Uninsured patients should bring documentation showing lack of insurance coverage.
How long does the Baylor Scott & White financial assistance application take?
Processing times vary based on application completeness and current volume. Complete applications are typically processed faster than incomplete ones. You can check status by calling Patient Financial Services at 1-800-994-0371.
Can I apply for Baylor Scott & White financial assistance after receiving my bill?
Yes, you can apply up to 365 days from the first billing statement. Apply as soon as possible to avoid collection activities. BSW encourages patients to apply for financial assistance before or during treatment when possible. Request a billing hold while your application is under review.
What if my Baylor Scott & White financial assistance application is denied?
You have the right to appeal the decision. Contact Patient Financial Services to understand the denial reason and appeal process. If you do not qualify for charity care, ask about payment plans, prompt pay discounts, or other financial hardship options that may be available.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Eligibility requirements and processes may change. Always confirm current policies directly with Baylor Scott & White Health.CareRoute is not affiliated with Baylor Scott & White Health.