Cedars-Sinai Financial Assistance: Free Care to 400% FPL + Discounts to 600% FPL (2026 Guide)
Cedars-Sinai, one of the largest nonprofit academic medical centers in the western United States, offers free charity care for patients with household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Patients between 401% and 600% FPL qualify for discount payments on a sliding scale. The policy covers Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital. California law (AB 1020) provides additional protections, including limits on what hospitals can charge low-income patients.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Charity Care
Patients at 0-400% FPL (single: up to ~$63,840/yr) receive full charity care, meaning no bill for covered services
Discount Payments to 600% FPL
Patients at 401-600% FPL (~$63,841 to ~$95,760/yr single) get sliding-scale discounts on their bill
Assets Not Considered
Under California law (effective Jan 2025), hospitals cannot consider your monetary assets when determining eligibility
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement. Cedars-Sinai must provide at least 30 days notice before collection actions.
Insured and Uninsured Patients Welcome
Both insured and uninsured patients who meet the income requirements may qualify. Insured patients can get help with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Assistance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | Charity Care: 100% Free |
| 201-400% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$63,840/yr | Charity Care: 100% Free |
| 401-500% FPL | ~$63,841 - ~$79,800/yr | Discount Payment (sliding scale) |
| 501-600% FPL | ~$79,801 - ~$95,760/yr | Discount Payment (sliding scale) |
| Above 600% FPL | Above ~$95,760/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
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).
- Eligibility is based on family income and family size.
- Uninsured patients should also be screened for Medi-Cal and Covered California.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Eligible patients will never be charged more than the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Under CA law, charges for eligible patients are capped at what the hospital would expect from Medicare or Medi-Cal (whichever is greater).
California Patient Protections (AB 1020)
California has some of the strongest hospital billing protections in the country. Under the Hospital Fair Pricing Act and AB 1020, Cedars-Sinai and all California hospitals must follow these rules:
Key California Protections
- Hospitals must offer charity care to patients at or below 400% FPL
- 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
- 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.
Hospitals Covered
Cedars-Sinai Hospitals
8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
4650 Lincoln Blvd, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Affiliate
100 W California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Shares the same financial assistance program
Cedars-Sinai also operates numerous outpatient clinics and physician offices across Los Angeles. Contact Patient Financial Services to confirm coverage for your specific location.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal tax return (for the year you were billed or 12 months prior)
- Recent pay stubs (within 6 months before or after first billing date)
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income records, if applicable
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Household size documentation
- Hospital bills or account numbers
Important: The application must be completed, signed, and dated. 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 for patients at 0-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Discount payments for patients at 401-600% FPL (~$95,760/yr single). Both insured and uninsured patients can apply.
Contact Patient Financial Services
Call 323-866-8600 (Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm) or email Patient.Billing@cshs.org. A financial counselor can help determine which program fits your situation and guide you through the application.
Complete the Application
Download the Financial Assistance Application from cedars-sinai.org or request one by phone or email. Fill out completely with your household income, family size, and insurance information.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Financial Assistance Processing Unit, File 1688, 1801 W. Olympic Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91199-1688
- Email: Patient.Billing@cshs.org
Follow Up
Call 323-866-8600 to confirm receipt and check your application status. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Unsigned or incomplete applications may be denied. Double-check before submitting.
- Not screening for Medi-Cal: Uninsured patients should be screened for Medi-Cal and Covered California before or during the FA process.
- Ignoring your bill: Do not wait. Contact Cedars-Sinai early if you cannot pay. The sooner you apply, the better.
- Not knowing your rights: California law protects you. Hospitals cannot consider your assets, must offer charity care at 400% FPL, and must limit charges for eligible patients.
Struggling with a Cedars-Sinai Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your Cedars-Sinai medical 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 discount payments, or if you have a remaining balance after financial assistance is applied, Cedars-Sinai offers payment plan options:
- Interest-free payment plans are available for qualifying patients
- Payment amounts are based on your financial situation
- Contact Patient Financial Services at 323-866-8600 to arrange a payment plan
- You can also explore online payment options at cedars-sinai.org
Do not ignore your bill even if you plan to apply for financial assistance. Contact Cedars-Sinai to let them know you are applying, which can pause collection activity on your account.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Patient Financial Services
Call 323-866-8600 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 600% FPL, incomplete documentation, or an unsigned application.
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, dated, and fully filled out.
3. File a Complaint with California HCAI
If you believe Cedars-Sinai 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 under AB 1020.
4. Explore Other Options
- Medi-Cal: California's Medicaid program covers residents up to 138% FPL (and higher for some groups)
- Covered California: Marketplace insurance with subsidies for low and moderate income residents
- Payment plans: Cedars-Sinai offers interest-free financing for remaining balances
- 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 Cedars-Sinai 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
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Mail Application To
Marina del Rey Hospital
Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Cedars-Sinai financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) qualify for full charity care (100% free). Patients between 401-600% FPL (~$95,760/yr single) qualify for discount payments on a sliding scale. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible, and assets are not considered.
What is the difference between Charity Care and Discount Payments?
Charity Care means 100% free care for patients at or below 400% FPL. Discount Payments are reduced (but not free) charges for patients between 401-600% FPL. The discount amount varies on a sliding scale based on family size, income level, and insurance status.
Does Cedars-Sinai cover insured patients?
Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients who meet the income requirements may qualify. Insured patients can receive help with out-of-pocket costs including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after insurance pays its portion.
Does California law require Cedars-Sinai to offer charity care?
Yes. Under California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act (including AB 1020), all hospitals in California must offer charity care or discount payments to patients at or below 400% FPL. Eligible patients cannot be charged more than the hospital would expect from Medicare or Medi-Cal. Cedars-Sinai goes further by extending discount payments up to 600% FPL.
Can Cedars-Sinai 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. Hospitals may consider Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) but not other savings, investments, or property.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 240 days from the date of your first billing statement to submit a complete application. Cedars-Sinai must provide at least 30 days notice before initiating extraordinary collection actions. Do not delay; apply as soon as possible after receiving your bill.
Need Help with Your Cedars-Sinai Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Cedars-Sinai 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 Cedars-Sinai financial assistance policies (effective January 1, 2025) and California state law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Cedars-Sinai at 323-866-8600 or visit cedars-sinai.org.