CommonSpirit Health Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL + 60% Uninsured Discount at 142+ Hospitals (2026 Guide)
CommonSpirit Health is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the country, with 142+ hospitals across 24 states. Their financial assistance program offers 100% free care for patients at or below 200% FPL (250% in California), discounted care up to 400% FPL, and an automatic 60% uninsured discount on hospital charges for all uninsured patients regardless of income. CommonSpirit brands include Dignity Health, CHI Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and many others.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Patients at 0-200% FPL (single: up to ~$31,920/yr) get free care nationally. In California, the threshold is 250% FPL.
Discounted Care to 400% FPL
Patients at 201-400% FPL receive discounted care with charges capped at AGB (typically 50-70%+ reduction).
60% Uninsured Discount
All uninsured patients get 60% off hospital charges and 50% off physician charges, regardless of income or FA eligibility.
142+ Hospitals, 24 States
Covers Dignity Health, CHI Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and many more brands across the country.
Interest-Free Payment Plans
System-wide interest-free payment plans for remaining balances. No finance charges added.
No Wage Garnishments or Home Liens
CommonSpirit will not garnish wages or place liens on primary residences for FA-eligible patients.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Family Size | 200% FPL (Free Care) | 400% FPL (Discounted Care) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $31,920 | $63,840 |
| 2 People | $43,280 | $86,560 |
| 3 People | $54,640 | $109,280 |
| 4 People | $66,000 | $132,000 |
| Income Level (% FPL) | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL (national) | 100% Free Care |
| 0-250% FPL (California only) | 100% Free Care |
| 201-400% FPL | Discounted care, charges capped at AGB (typically 50-70%+ reduction) |
| 401-500% FPL (California only) | Discounted care + extended interest-free payment plan |
| Hardship provision | Additional discount if remaining liability exceeds 30% of family income |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible for financial assistance.
- All uninsured patients automatically receive 60% off hospital charges and 50% off physician charges, regardless of income.
- California facilities have higher income thresholds (250% FPL for free care, up to 500% FPL for discounts).
- A hardship provision provides additional discounts if your remaining liability exceeds 30% of family income.
- Approved patients will never be charged more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Apply within 365 days from discharge or 240 days from first bill (whichever is later).
Automatic Uninsured Discount
All uninsured patients at CommonSpirit hospitals receive an automatic discount on charges, regardless of income or financial assistance eligibility. No application is required for this discount.
Hospital Charges
60% Off
Applied automatically to all uninsured patients
Physician Charges
50% Off
Applied automatically to all uninsured patients
This discount is applied before any further financial assistance evaluation. You may qualify for additional discounts or free care through the full financial assistance program.
Presumptive Eligibility (Automatic Approval)
CommonSpirit can automatically approve financial assistance without requiring documentation if you meet any of the following criteria:
You Qualify Automatically If You Are:
- Homeless
- A WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program recipient
- A SNAP (food stamps) recipient
- Living in subsidized housing
- A state prescription assistance program recipient
- Deceased with no estate
Retroactive Coverage
Covers bills from the prior 12 months once approved
Prospective Coverage
Covers services for 6 months after approval date
142+ Hospitals Across 24 States (by Brand)
West
Mountain
Midwest
South
This is not an exhaustive list. CommonSpirit Health operates additional facilities, clinics, and physician practices across these and other states. Visit commonspirit.org for a complete directory.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal tax return
- Recent pay stubs (if no tax return available)
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Documentation for all household members
Other Documentation
- Bank statements
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of household size
Presumptive eligibility: If you are homeless, a WIC/SNAP recipient, live in subsidized housing, or participate in a state prescription program, you may be approved automatically without submitting income documentation.
Important: Applications are paper-based (PDF download from each facility's website). Make sure your application is complete and signed before submitting. Incomplete applications will delay your determination.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Free care at 0-200% FPL nationally (250% in California). Discounted care at 201-400% FPL (up to 500% in California). Automatic 60% uninsured discount for all uninsured patients. Hardship provision if liability exceeds 30% of income.
Contact Patient Financial Services
Call the financial services line for your hospital brand. Dignity Health: (888) 488-7667. CommonSpirit Mountain (CO/KS/UT): (888) 347-3295. CHI Memorial (TN/GA): (800) 276-3614. A financial counselor can guide you through the process.
Download and Complete the Application
Visit commonspirit.org/patient-resources/financial-assistance or your specific facility's website. Applications are paper-based PDFs. Fill out completely and sign.
Gather and Submit Documentation
Include tax returns or pay stubs and bank statements. Mail or deliver in person to your hospital's patient financial services department. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Await Determination
CommonSpirit will make a determination within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete application. Call your hospital's financial services line to confirm receipt and check status.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 365 days from discharge or 240 days from first bill (whichever is later).
- Wrong facility application: Each facility may have its own PDF application. Make sure you download the correct one for your hospital.
- Incomplete application: Missing signatures or documentation will delay your determination. Double-check before submitting.
- Not asking about presumptive eligibility: If you receive SNAP, WIC, or live in subsidized housing, mention this upfront. You may be approved without full documentation.
- Ignoring the uninsured discount: Even if you do not qualify for financial assistance, all uninsured patients get 60% off hospital charges automatically.
Collection Practices and Patient Protections
What CommonSpirit Will NOT Do
- No wage garnishments for patients eligible for financial assistance
- No liens on primary residences for patients eligible for financial assistance
- 120-day waiting period before any extraordinary collection actions (ECAs) can begin
What to Watch For
- Third-party debt collectors may file lawsuits on unpaid balances (not under the CommonSpirit name)
- If you receive collection notices, apply for financial assistance immediately if you have not already
- Keep copies of all correspondence and your financial assistance application
WA State: CHI Franciscan Settlement
In a notable case, CHI Franciscan (now Virginia Mason Franciscan Health) settled with the Washington Attorney General for approximately $25 million, including $20 million in debt forgiveness and $2.22 million in refunds to over 5,451 patients. The settlement addressed failures to make charity care accessible to eligible patients between 2012 and 2017. If you were treated at a CHI Franciscan facility in Washington during that period, you may have additional rights.
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If you are facing collection actions, received a denial, or need help negotiating your CommonSpirit bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Dignity Health (CA, AZ, NV)
Patient Financial Services
CommonSpirit Mountain (CO, KS, UT)
CHI Memorial (TN, GA)
St. Joseph Health (TX)
Official Resources
Individual facility applications and policy documents are available on each hospital brand's website. Contact your specific hospital for the correct application form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for free care at CommonSpirit hospitals?
Patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $31,920/year for a single person) qualify for 100% free care at CommonSpirit hospitals nationwide. In California, the threshold is even higher at 250% FPL. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. Patients receiving SNAP, WIC, or living in subsidized housing may qualify through presumptive eligibility without documentation.
Do I need to be uninsured to qualify?
No. Both insured and uninsured patients can qualify for CommonSpirit financial assistance. Insured patients can receive help with out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Uninsured patients also receive an automatic 60% discount on hospital charges and 50% off physician charges, regardless of whether they qualify for additional financial assistance.
What is the uninsured discount at CommonSpirit hospitals?
All uninsured patients receive an automatic 60% discount on hospital charges and 50% off physician charges. This applies regardless of income or financial assistance eligibility. No application is required. This discount is applied before any further financial assistance evaluation, so you may qualify for additional reductions on top of this discount.
What is presumptive eligibility?
Presumptive eligibility means CommonSpirit can automatically approve you for financial assistance without requiring income documentation. You qualify if you are homeless, a WIC or SNAP recipient, live in subsidized housing, participate in a state prescription program, or are deceased with no estate. Once approved, coverage is retroactive for 12 months and prospective for 6 months.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 365 days from discharge or 240 days from your first bill, whichever is later. CommonSpirit must make a determination within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete application. They cannot initiate extraordinary collection actions for at least 120 days after the initial billing date.
Are CommonSpirit payment plans interest-free?
Yes. CommonSpirit offers interest-free payment plans system-wide for remaining balances after any financial assistance discounts are applied. There are no finance charges or interest added to your payment plan balance. Contact your hospital's patient financial services department to set up a plan.
Need Help with Your CommonSpirit Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with CommonSpirit hospitals 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 CommonSpirit Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Individual facility policies may vary. Always verify current requirements directly with your specific CommonSpirit hospital or visit commonspirit.org/patient-resources/financial-assistance.