Intermountain Health Financial Assistance: Free Care to 250% FPL + Discounts to 500% FPL (2026 Guide)
Intermountain Health, headquartered in Salt Lake City, is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the western U.S. with 33 hospitals across Utah, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming. As a 501(r) nonprofit, Intermountain offers generous financial assistance: full free care (minus a nominal fee) for patients with income below 250% FPL, and sliding-scale discounts up to 500% FPL. Catastrophic medical bill assistance is also available regardless of income.
Jump to Section
Quick Facts
Full Free Care (to 250% FPL)
Patients with income below 250% FPL (~$37,650/yr single) qualify for 100% discount on qualifying services, minus a nominal patient responsibility per episode of care
Sliding Scale to 500% FPL
Partial discounts via sliding scale for income up to 500% FPL (~$75,300/yr single)
33 Hospitals, 7 States
Across Utah, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, and Kansas, plus 385+ clinics
Catastrophic Bill Protection
If all medical bills exceed 25% of family income, you may qualify regardless of income level
Covers Insured Patients Too
Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. Insured patients can get help with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Documentation is valid for six months for future services.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-250% FPL | Up to ~$37,650/yr | Full Assistance: 100% Discount* |
| 251-300% FPL | ~$37,651 - ~$45,180/yr | Partial: significant discount (sliding scale) |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$45,181 - ~$60,240/yr | Partial: moderate discount (sliding scale) |
| 401-500% FPL | ~$60,241 - ~$75,300/yr | Partial: reduced discount (sliding scale) |
| Above 500% FPL | Above ~$75,300/yr | Not eligible (catastrophic exception may apply) |
*Full assistance includes a nominal patient responsibility per episode of care.
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible for financial assistance.
- Eligibility is based on family size and gross annual household income.
- Uninsured patients will be screened for Medicaid and government programs first.
- Catastrophic bills: If all medical bills exceed 25% of family income, you may qualify regardless of income level.
- Approved documentation is valid for six months for future services.
- Intermountain will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Applications are region-specific: Utah/Idaho/Nevada or Colorado/Montana/Wyoming.
Overwhelmed by Your Intermountain Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify errors or overcharges, and negotiate with Intermountain Health on your behalf. No upfront cost to get started.
Get Help with Your Bill33 Hospitals Across 7 States
Utah (Flagship State)
Colorado (via SCL Health Merger)
Montana, Nevada & Wyoming
Plus 385+ clinics, urgent care centers, and physician offices. The financial assistance policy covers both hospital and clinic services provided by Intermountain-employed providers.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements
- Supporting documentation for self-employment income
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
Other Documentation
- Proof of household size
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of residency
- Documentation of other medical bills (for catastrophic assistance)
Important: Applications are region-specific. Use the Utah/Idaho/Nevada application for those facilities, and the Colorado/Montana/Wyoming application for former SCL Health facilities. Incomplete applications will delay processing.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Full free care for income below 250% FPL (~$37,650/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts up to 500% FPL (~$75,300/yr single). Catastrophic assistance if bills exceed 25% of family income.
Contact Financial Assistance
Call 1-800-748-9175 for hospital bills or 1-866-415-6556 for clinic bills. You can also visit an Eligibility Counselor at any Intermountain facility in person.
Complete the Application
Download the region-specific application from intermountainhealthcare.org, apply online through the Intermountain patient portal, or request a paper copy by phone. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail: Financial Assistance, PO Box 27327, Salt Lake City, UT 84127
- Online: Through the Intermountain patient portal
- In person: Visit an Eligibility Counselor at any Intermountain facility
- Email or Fax: Contact Financial Assistance for details
Follow Up
Requests are processed in the order received. A representative will contact you once the request has been processed. Keep copies of everything you submit. Approved documentation is valid for six months for future services.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Wrong application form: Utah/Idaho/Nevada and Colorado/Montana/Wyoming have different forms. Use the correct one for your facility.
- Incomplete application: Missing documentation will delay your request. Include all required income verification.
- Waiting too long: Apply as early as possible, ideally when you first receive care. Do not wait for bills to go to collections.
- Skipping Medicaid screening: Uninsured patients must be screened for government programs before FA is determined.
- Forgetting catastrophic option: Even if income is above 500% FPL, you may qualify if total medical bills exceed 25% of family income.
Payment Plans
If you do not qualify for full financial assistance, or have a remaining balance after partial assistance, Intermountain will work with you on a reasonable payment plan.
- Intermountain offers flexible payment plans based on your ability to pay
- Contact Financial Assistance at 1-800-748-9175 (hospitals) or 1-866-415-6556 (clinics) to set up a plan
- You can also manage payments through the Intermountain patient portal online
- Even during the payment plan, you can still apply for financial assistance if your financial situation changes
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Financial Assistance
Call 1-800-748-9175 (hospitals) or 1-866-415-6556 (clinics) to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 500% FPL, incomplete documentation, or missing required paperwork.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Intermountain accepts applications at any point during the billing or collection process.
3. Explore Catastrophic Assistance
If your total medical bills (from all providers, not just Intermountain) exceed 25% of your family income, you may qualify for catastrophic medical bill assistance even if your income is above 500% FPL.
4. Explore Other Options
- Payment plans: Intermountain offers flexible payment arrangements
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or duplicate billing
- State Medicaid: Check eligibility in your state (covers residents up to 138% FPL in expansion states)
- SelectHealth: Intermountain's own insurance plan may offer more affordable coverage options
- Community resources: Local nonprofits and United Way 211 can help identify additional assistance programs
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Intermountain bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillKnow Your Rights: Collection Protections
- The active collection period is never less than 240 days from the initial billing.
- Intermountain will not pursue extraordinary collection actions (ECAs) without first making reasonable efforts to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.
- Uninsured patients must be notified of the financial assistance policy and given the opportunity to apply before any collection actions begin.
- You can apply for financial assistance at any point during the registration, billing, or active collection process.
- As a 501(r) nonprofit, Intermountain is legally required to follow these protections under federal law.
Contact Information
Hospital Bills
Clinic Bills
Mail & Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Intermountain Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income below 250% FPL (~$37,650/yr single) may qualify for full assistance (100% discount minus a nominal fee). Patients with income up to 500% FPL (~$75,300/yr single) may qualify for partial, sliding-scale discounts. Catastrophic assistance is also available if total medical bills exceed 25% of family income.
What is the difference between full and partial financial assistance?
Full assistance (income below 250% FPL) covers 100% of qualifying services, minus a nominal patient responsibility per episode of care. Partial assistance (250-500% FPL) provides a percentage discount based on Intermountain's internal sliding scale, with the discount decreasing as income increases.
Does Intermountain cover insured patients?
Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. Insured patients can receive help with out-of-pocket costs including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after insurance pays its portion.
What counts as catastrophic medical bills?
Intermountain defines catastrophic assistance as situations where all medical bills (not only Intermountain bills) exceed 25% of a family's income. This can apply even if your income is above 500% FPL. You will need documentation of all outstanding medical bills from all providers.
Which application form do I use?
Intermountain has region-specific applications. Use the Utah/Idaho/Nevada application for facilities in those states, and the Colorado/Montana/Wyoming application for former SCL Health facilities. Both are available on the Intermountain website or by calling Financial Assistance.
How long is my financial assistance approval valid?
Approved documentation is valid for six months from the date received. If you need future services within that period, you can formally request financial assistance without resubmitting all documentation. After six months, you will need to submit a new application.
Need Help with Your Intermountain Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Intermountain Health 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 Intermountain Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Intermountain Health at 1-800-748-9175 or visit intermountainhealthcare.org.