Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Financial Assistance: Free and Discounted Care Guide (2026)
Children's Hospital Los Angeles offers two levels of financial help for families who cannot afford their hospital bills. Charity Care provides 100% free care for families at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Discounted Care reduces bills to Medicare-equivalent rates for families between 400% and 600% FPL. Under California law (SB 1276), CHLA is required to offer these programs and screen patients for Medi-Cal eligibility.
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Quick Facts
Charity Care (100% Free)
Income at or below 400% FPL (family of 4: up to ~$132,000/yr). All charges for emergency and medically necessary services are waived.
Discounted Care
Income between 400% and 600% FPL (family of 4: ~$132,001 to ~$198,000/yr). Charges limited to Medicare-equivalent rates.
California Law Protections
SB 1276 requires CHLA to offer charity care, screen for Medi-Cal, and notify patients before billing.
30-Day Processing
CHLA notifies you in writing within 30 days of receiving your completed application.
Pediatric Specialty Hospital
CHLA is one of the top pediatric hospitals in the nation. Financial assistance covers complex conditions including cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, and organ transplants for qualifying families.
Overwhelmed by a CHLA Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your pediatric medical bills, check if you qualify for financial assistance, and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillEligibility and Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Family Size | Charity Care (400% FPL) | Discounted Care (600% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Up to $63,840/yr | $63,840 to $95,760/yr |
| 2 people | Up to $86,560/yr | $86,560 to $129,840/yr |
| 3 people | Up to $109,280/yr | $109,280 to $163,920/yr |
| 4 people | Up to $132,000/yr | $132,000 to $198,000/yr |
| 5 people | Up to $154,720/yr | $154,720 to $232,080/yr |
| 6 people | Up to $177,440/yr | $177,440 to $266,160/yr |
For families of 7+, add $22,720 per additional person for each FPL tier.
Important Notes
- Charity Care (at or below 400% FPL): CHLA will not charge you for emergency or medically necessary services.
- Discounted Care (400% to 600% FPL): Charges are reduced to what CHLA would have received from Medicare.
- CHLA must screen you for Medi-Cal eligibility before denying financial assistance.
- Covers emergency and medically necessary services, including complex pediatric specialties.
- You must submit a completed application with all required documentation.
- Incomplete applications will not be evaluated.
California Law Protections (SB 1276 and Hospital Fair Pricing Act)
As a nonprofit hospital in California, CHLA is bound by strong patient financial protections. Here is what the law guarantees:
- Free care under 400% FPL: California law (SB 1276) requires nonprofit hospitals to provide charity care to patients with family income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Medi-Cal screening required: Hospitals must screen patients for Medi-Cal eligibility and help with enrollment before sending bills to collections.
- No collections without notice: CHLA cannot send your account to collections without first notifying you of financial assistance availability and allowing time to apply.
- Limit on charges for uninsured: Uninsured patients cannot be charged more than what the hospital receives from Medicare or Medi-Cal for the same services.
- No liens on primary residences: California law prohibits hospitals from placing liens on your home for medical debt.
- 150-day application window: You have at least 150 days from the first billing statement to apply for financial assistance before any collections activity.
Know your rights: For more about California medical bill protections, see our California Medical Bill Rights Guide.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit statements (Social Security, disability, unemployment, CalWORKs)
- Self-employment income documentation
- Proof of any other household income
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID (required)
- Proof of household size
- Insurance card (if insured)
- Medi-Cal denial letter (if applicable)
- Any correspondence about the bill
Important: Your application will not be evaluated if requested information is missing or the form is not thoroughly completed. Make sure to include all documents and sign the application before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
If your household income is at or below 400% FPL (~$132,000/yr for a family of 4), you likely qualify for free Charity Care. If your income is between 400% and 600% FPL (~$132,001 to ~$198,000 for a family of 4), you may qualify for Discounted Care at Medicare rates.
Get the Application
Download the Financial Assistance Application from chla.org or call Patient Business Services at 800-404-6627 to request a copy. The application is available in English and Spanish.
Complete the Application Thoroughly
Fill out all sections completely and sign the form. Attach all required income documentation and a copy of your ID. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Submit Your Application
Return your completed application and attachments to:
Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Patient Business Services, 4650 Sunset Blvd., #26, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Wait for Determination
CHLA will review your application and notify you in writing within 30 days of receiving your completed submission. If approved for Charity Care, you will owe nothing for covered services. If approved for Discounted Care, your bill will be reduced to the Medicare-equivalent rate.
Apply for Medi-Cal If Eligible
CHLA is required to screen you for Medi-Cal eligibility. If your child may qualify, you should apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California or your local Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). A financial counselor at 323-660-2450 can help determine eligibility.
Need Help Completing the Application?
CHLA staff cannot assist with filling out the application form. However, the Health Consumer Center of Los Angeles offers free assistance:
13327 Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
Phone: 800-896-3203
What If You Are Denied?
1. Request a Written Explanation
Call Patient Business Services at 800-404-6627 and ask for a written explanation of the denial. Common reasons include income above the threshold, incomplete documentation, or a missing signature on the application.
2. Resubmit with Additional Documentation
If documentation was missing, gather the required items and resubmit. If your financial situation has changed (job loss, medical emergency), provide updated income verification showing your current situation.
3. Know Your California Rights
- CHLA cannot send you to collections without first offering financial assistance
- File a complaint with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) if you believe CHLA is not following its own policy
- Contact the California Attorney General at (800) 952-5225
- Reach the Health Consumer Alliance for free help: 888-804-3536
4. Explore Other Options
- Payment plans: CHLA offers interest-free payment plans for qualifying families
- Medi-Cal: Apply through Covered California or DPSS. Medi-Cal can cover bills retroactively up to 3 months
- CCS (California Children's Services): Covers treatment for certain conditions in children under 21
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or duplicate billing
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your CHLA bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and fight for savings on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Business Services
Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT
Ask for the Admitting Financial Counselor
Mailing Address and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for CHLA Charity Care?
Families with household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for free Charity Care. For a family of 4 in 2026, that is approximately $132,000 per year. Under California law (SB 1276), CHLA is required to offer this program.
What is the difference between Charity Care and Discounted Care?
Charity Care (at or below 400% FPL) covers 100% of charges for emergency and medically necessary services. Discounted Care (between 400% and 600% FPL) reduces your bill to what CHLA would have received from Medicare for the same services.
Does CHLA financial assistance cover insured patients?
The financial assistance policy primarily applies to the patient's self-pay portion (after insurance). If you have insurance but cannot afford your copays, deductibles, or coinsurance, you should still apply. CHLA evaluates eligibility based on your household income regardless of insurance status.
Can I apply for financial assistance after receiving a bill?
Yes. Under California law, you have at least 150 days from the first billing statement to apply for financial assistance. CHLA cannot send your account to collections during this period. Apply as soon as possible after receiving your bill.
What if my child needs ongoing treatment at CHLA?
Financial assistance can cover multiple visits and ongoing treatment. Once approved, ask Patient Business Services about the coverage period and whether you need to reapply for future services. For children with complex conditions (cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders), ask about California Children's Services (CCS), which may provide additional coverage.
Does CHLA offer payment plans?
Yes. If you do not qualify for Charity Care or Discounted Care, CHLA offers interest-free payment plans. Contact Patient Business Services at 800-404-6627 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 5 PM) to discuss payment arrangements.
What about Medi-Cal for my child?
Many children in California qualify for Medi-Cal, which provides comprehensive health coverage at no cost. CHLA is required to screen patients for Medi-Cal eligibility. If your child qualifies, Medi-Cal can retroactively cover bills up to 3 months prior to application. Apply through Covered California or your local DPSS office.
What is California Children's Services (CCS)?
CCS is a state program that covers treatment for certain eligible medical conditions in children under 21. It covers conditions like cancer, heart defects, cerebral palsy, and hemophilia. CCS can work alongside Medi-Cal or private insurance. Ask CHLA's financial counselor (323-660-2450) if your child's condition qualifies.
Need Help with Your CHLA Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your pediatric medical bills, check your eligibility for financial assistance, and negotiate reductions on your behalf. No upfront cost, and you only pay if we save you money.
Start Your Free Case ReviewRelated Resources
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available Children's Hospital Los Angeles financial assistance policies and California state law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with CHLA at 800-404-6627 or visit chla.org.