City of Hope Financial Assistance: Income Limits and How to Apply (2026)

City of Hope offers 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 600% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $198,000 a year for a family of four). Here is who qualifies, what you need, and how to apply.

Updated July 2026

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City of Hope Income Limits for Free Care

Your eligibility is based on household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. Free care applies at or below 600% FPL.

Household size	Free care if income is at or below (600% FPL)
1 person	$95,760
2 people	$129,840
3 people	$163,920
4 people	$198,000
5 people	$232,080
6 people	$266,160

Income figures use 2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines and are rounded. Actual eligibility depends on the hospital's review of your application.

What City of Hope Offers

Free care

100% of the bill at or below 600% FPL. Charity care up to 600% FPL under California policy (100% write-off). Asset test applies.

Financial assistance policy · Verified July 2026

How to Apply for City of Hope Financial Assistance

1
Request an itemized bill
Ask for a fully itemized bill so you can confirm every charge before you apply or pay.
2
Gather your documents
Collect proof of income, asset_proof, proof of household size.
3
Submit the City of Hope application
Income and assets vs 600% FPL.
4
Ask for a billing hold
Request a hold on collections activity while your application is reviewed, so the account does not advance.
5
Get the decision in writing
Keep the approval or denial in writing. If you are denied, you can appeal or request an interest-free payment plan. In California, you can also ask for the decision to be reviewed by the hospital's business manager, CFO, or other designated manager (Health and Safety Code 127405), not just the billing clerk.

What you will need

Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefit award letters)
asset_proof
Proof of household size (tax return listing dependents, or similar)

Deadline: confirm with the FA office.

Residency: none stated.

Citizenship: not required.

Before you pay, know this

Applying for financial assistance does not affect your credit.
Many hospitals grant presumptive eligibility if you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, or similar programs, which can speed approval.
You can often apply even after a bill goes to collections, and assistance is frequently applied retroactively. Do not assume it is too late.
If you are denied, you can appeal or ask for an interest-free payment plan.

Not sure you qualify? You may still be able to save.

Charity care is only one way to lower a hospital bill. CareRoute Bill Defense works every angle on your City of Hope bill: billing errors, insurance underpayments and denied claims, financial assistance, and direct negotiation with the hospital. So even if you do not qualify for free care, there is often money to save. You pay nothing upfront and only a fraction of what we save you (capped at $1,000). If we cannot lower your bill, you owe nothing.

Get help with your bill

California also has medical-bill protections that may help beyond City of Hope's own program, such as limits on collections, credit reporting, and wage garnishment.

See all California medical bill rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Does City of Hope offer financial assistance or charity care?

Yes. City of Hope provides 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 600% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What is the income limit for free care at City of Hope?

Free care is available at or below 600% FPL. For a family of four in 2026 that is about $198,000 per year. See the income table above for other household sizes.

How do I apply for City of Hope financial assistance?

Request an itemized bill, gather your income documents and a photo ID, then submit the hospital's financial assistance application. Income and assets vs 600% FPL. Ask the billing or financial counseling office about the deadline to apply.

Can insured patients qualify for financial assistance at City of Hope?

Yes. The balance left after your insurance pays can still qualify for charity care or a discount if you meet the income limits above. One California-specific catch: state law (the Hospital Fair Pricing Act) also requires insured patients to have "high medical costs," defined as out-of-pocket medical costs above 10% of your family income. Uninsured patients qualify on income alone.

Can I apply for City of Hope financial assistance if my bill is already in collections?

You can usually still apply even after a bill goes to collections, and hospitals often apply approved assistance retroactively to recent accounts. Applying can also pause collection activity while the hospital reviews your case.

Will applying for financial assistance affect my credit?

No. Applying for hospital financial assistance is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score. Getting a bill reduced or covered actually helps you avoid the collections and credit damage that come from an unpaid balance.

Does City of Hope require US citizenship or residency?

No. City of Hope does not require US citizenship, and immigration status does not bar eligibility.

Can CareRoute help with a City of Hope bill?

Yes. CareRoute Bill Defense looks at every way to lower your bill, not just charity care: billing errors, insurance underpayments and denied claims, financial assistance, and direct negotiation. You pay nothing upfront and only a fraction of what we save you (capped at $1,000), with no fee at all if we cannot reduce your bill.

Sources and verification. Last verified July 2026, based on City of Hope's published financial assistance policy (official policy). How we research these guides.

Eligibility details may change. This page is informational and not financial or legal advice. Confirm current terms with City of Hope's financial assistance office before applying.