Jackson Health System Financial Assistance: Free Care at 200% FPL for Miami-Dade Residents (2026 Guide)
Jackson Health System is Miami-Dade County's public safety-net hospital system and one of the largest public hospitals in the United States. Operated as a Public Health Trust, Jackson has a legal obligation to serve all Miami-Dade residents regardless of ability to pay. The system provides approximately $1 billion in charity care annually and serves as a critical lifeline for the county's uninsured population, which includes roughly 30% of residents who lack adequate insurance coverage.
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Quick Eligibility Summary
Who Qualifies for Jackson Health Financial Assistance?
100% Free Care (Charity Care)
Miami-Dade County residents with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for complete charity care. Your entire bill is written off. For a single person in 2026, 200% FPL is approximately $31,920/year. For a family of four, it is approximately $65,600/year.
Discounted Care (201-300% FPL)
Residents with household income between 201% and 300% FPL qualify for discounted care on a sliding scale. The exact discount depends on your income level and household size. For a single person, 300% FPL is approximately $47,880/year. Financial counselors can calculate your specific discount amount.
Public Health Trust Obligation
As a Public Health Trust (PHT) for Miami-Dade County, Jackson Health System has a unique legal obligation that goes beyond standard nonprofit hospital requirements. Jackson is not just a nonprofit that chooses to offer charity care. It is a publicly funded institution with a mandate to serve all county residents. This means Jackson is generally more flexible and accommodating with financial assistance than private hospital systems.
Florida's Medicaid Coverage Gap: Why Jackson Matters
Florida has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This leaves over 800,000 Floridians in a "coverage gap," meaning they earn too much for traditional Medicaid but too little for marketplace insurance subsidies. In Miami-Dade County, this gap is especially severe due to high costs of living and a large immigrant population.
Jackson Health System is the primary lifeline for Miami-Dade residents caught in this gap. If you fall into the coverage gap, you should contact Jackson's financial counselors immediately. You may qualify for free or discounted care through the financial assistance program, or you may be eligible for the Jackson Plus managed care plan.
Need Help with a Jackson Health Bill?
CareRoute can help you understand your options, draft appeal letters, and navigate the financial assistance application process. Our tools are designed to help patients advocate for themselves effectively.
Try Bill DefenseJackson Plus Managed Care Plan
Jackson Plus is a unique managed care program designed specifically for Miami-Dade County residents who do not qualify for Medicaid or other insurance programs. It provides comprehensive healthcare coverage at Jackson Health System facilities for very low cost.
What Jackson Plus covers:
- Primary care visits at Jackson Health facilities
- Specialty care and referrals within the Jackson system
- Prescription medications at Jackson pharmacies
- Hospital and emergency services
- Diagnostic imaging and lab work
Key difference from financial assistance: Financial assistance helps with bills you have already received. Jackson Plus is an ongoing coverage plan that you enroll in before receiving care. If you are uninsured and live in Miami-Dade, ask about Jackson Plus as it may provide better long-term coverage than applying for financial assistance after each visit.
University of Miami Separate Billing (Critical)
This is one of the most important and commonly misunderstood aspects of billing at Jackson Health System. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine physicians practice at Jackson but bill separately. This means you may receive two completely separate bills for a single hospital visit:
Bill #1: Jackson Health System
Hospital/facility charges, nursing care, room and board, equipment, medications administered during your stay
Bill #2: University of Miami Health System
Physician/professional fees from UM doctors who treated you, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialists
What you must do: Apply for financial assistance with both organizations separately. A Jackson Health financial assistance approval does NOT automatically cover UM physician bills, and vice versa. Contact UM Health System patient financial services in addition to Jackson. Many patients miss this step and end up with unexpected physician bills even after Jackson approves their charity care.
Immigration Status and Patient Privacy
Jackson Health System explicitly serves patients regardless of immigration status. In Miami-Dade County, where a significant portion of the population includes immigrants and their families, this is especially important.
What you need to know:
- Jackson does not report patients to immigration authorities
- Undocumented Miami-Dade residents can apply for financial assistance on the same terms as any other resident
- Emergency care is provided to all patients regardless of any status
- Financial counselors can help navigate assistance options that do not require a Social Security number
- Jackson Plus enrollment may be available regardless of immigration status for Miami-Dade residents
Important: As a Public Health Trust, Jackson has a public mission to serve all Miami-Dade County residents. Your medical records and financial information are protected by HIPAA and cannot be shared with immigration enforcement without a court order.
Holtz Children's Hospital and Pediatric Programs
Holtz Children's Hospital is part of Jackson Health System and provides specialized pediatric care. Children may qualify for multiple assistance programs beyond the standard Jackson financial assistance, so it is worth exploring all options.
Programs available for children:
Jackson Health Financial Assistance
Same eligibility as adults. Free care at 200% FPL, discounted care at 201-300% FPL.
Florida KidCare
State insurance program for children under 19. Includes Medicaid for children, MediKids, Healthy Kids, and Children's Medical Services Network. Income limits are generally higher than adult Medicaid.
Children's Medical Services (CMS)
Florida program for children with special health care needs including chronic conditions, developmental disabilities, and complex medical needs. Provides care coordination and access to specialists.
Jackson Memorial Foundation Assistance
The foundation provides additional help beyond standard financial assistance, including medications, medical equipment, and transportation for pediatric patients.
Tip: Ask Holtz Children's financial counselors to screen your child for all available programs. Children often qualify for more assistance than adults, especially through Florida KidCare, which has higher income limits than adult Medicaid.
Jackson Health System Facilities
Jackson Memorial Hospital
Miami (main campus)
One of the largest hospitals in the US with ~1,500 beds. Level I trauma center. Ryder Trauma Center is nationally recognized.
Holtz Children's Hospital
Miami (at Jackson Memorial campus)
Full-service children's hospital with pediatric ER, NICU, and all pediatric specialties.
Jackson South Medical Center
South Miami-Dade
Full-service hospital serving the southern portion of Miami-Dade County.
Jackson North Medical Center
North Miami Beach
Community hospital serving northern Miami-Dade County with emergency and inpatient services.
Jackson West Medical Center
Doral
Newer facility serving the rapidly growing western Miami-Dade communities.
Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital
Miami
Largest public behavioral health program in the Southeast. Inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse services.
Jackson also operates multiple primary care and specialty centers throughout Miami-Dade County. All Jackson facilities participate in the same financial assistance program. You can apply at any location.
Jackson Memorial Foundation (Additional Assistance)
The Jackson Memorial Foundation provides additional support beyond the standard financial assistance program. This is a separate resource that can help with costs not covered by the hospital's charity care policy.
Foundation assistance may include:
- Help with prescription medications and ongoing pharmacy costs
- Medical equipment and supplies for home care
- Transportation assistance to and from Jackson facilities
- Support for specific patient needs not covered by other programs
How to access: Ask your Jackson Health financial counselor or social worker about Jackson Memorial Foundation resources. They can refer you to the foundation for additional support based on your specific needs.
How to Apply for Jackson Health Financial Assistance
Contact Patient Financial Services
Call Jackson Health at (305) 585-1111 or visit the financial counseling office at any Jackson facility. You can also ask at registration, the emergency department, or any business office. Let them know you need help with your medical bills.
Gather Your Documents
You will typically need: proof of Miami-Dade County residency (utility bill, lease, or driver's license), proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a statement of no income), proof of household size, government-issued ID, and your Jackson Health bills or account numbers. Your counselor will confirm exactly what is needed for your situation.
Ask About All Available Programs
When you meet with a financial counselor, ask them to screen you for all available programs: financial assistance (charity care), Jackson Plus managed care, Medicaid eligibility, marketplace insurance with subsidies, and any Jackson Memorial Foundation resources. There may be multiple programs you qualify for.
Complete and Submit the Application
Fill out the Jackson Health System financial assistance application with the help of your financial counselor. Submit all supporting documentation and keep copies of everything. Ask for a confirmation of receipt and a timeline for the decision.
Apply Separately for UM Physician Bills
If you were treated by University of Miami physicians at Jackson (which is common for specialists, surgeons, and many attending doctors), you must also apply for financial assistance through University of Miami Health System. Jackson approval does not cover UM physician fees. Ask your Jackson counselor for UM financial assistance contact information.
Receive Your Determination
Jackson Health will review your application and notify you of the decision. If approved for charity care at 200% FPL, your entire balance will be written off. If approved for discounted care at 201-300% FPL, the discount will be applied to your eligible bills. Follow up within 2 weeks if you have not received confirmation.
If Your Application Is Denied
If Jackson Health System denies your financial assistance application, you have options:
- 1.Request a written explanation of the denial reason. Understanding why helps you address the issue and prepare an appeal.
- 2.Appeal the decision. Ask your financial counselor about the appeal process. Provide additional documentation that addresses the specific denial reason.
- 3.Ask about Jackson Plus. If you do not qualify for charity care, you may still qualify for the Jackson Plus managed care plan, which provides comprehensive coverage at very low cost for Miami-Dade residents.
- 4.Request a payment plan. Even without charity care approval, Jackson may offer manageable payment plans with reduced monthly amounts based on your income.
- 5.Contact the Miami-Dade County Commission. As a Public Health Trust, Jackson is ultimately accountable to the county. If you believe you are being wrongly denied assistance, you can contact your county commissioner's office for help.
- 6.Contact the Jackson Memorial Foundation. The foundation may be able to provide assistance with specific costs even if the standard financial assistance program denies your application.
Denied? Let Us Help You Appeal
CareRoute can help you draft an appeal letter, identify the right provisions to cite (including Jackson's Public Health Trust obligations), and build a compelling case for why your application should be reconsidered.
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Behavioral Health Services
Jackson operates the largest public behavioral health program in the Southeast through Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital. This includes inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient mental health services, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Financial assistance applies to behavioral health services just as it does to other Jackson services. If you or a family member needs mental health or substance abuse care and cannot afford it, contact Jackson Behavioral Health directly or apply through the standard financial assistance program. Miami-Dade residents in crisis can also call the crisis hotline for immediate help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jackson Plus and how does it work?
Jackson Plus is a managed care plan for Miami-Dade County residents who do not qualify for Medicaid or other insurance. It provides comprehensive coverage at Jackson Health System facilities for very low cost, including primary care, specialty visits, prescriptions, and hospital services. Contact Jackson financial counseling to check your eligibility and enroll.
Do I need to be a Miami-Dade County resident to qualify?
Miami-Dade County residency is required for the full financial assistance program (free care at 200% FPL and discounted care at 201-300% FPL). However, Jackson provides emergency care to all patients regardless of residency, insurance, or ability to pay. Non-residents who receive emergency care can contact patient financial services to discuss payment options and possible hardship arrangements.
Can undocumented immigrants receive care and financial assistance?
Yes. Jackson Health System serves patients regardless of immigration status and does not report to immigration authorities. Undocumented Miami-Dade County residents can apply for financial assistance on the same terms as any other resident. Financial counselors can help navigate options that do not require a Social Security number. Your medical and financial information is protected by HIPAA.
Why am I getting separate bills from University of Miami?
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine physicians practice at Jackson but bill separately. You may receive one bill from Jackson (hospital/facility fees) and another from UM Health System (physician/professional fees). You must apply for financial assistance with both organizations separately. Jackson approval does not automatically cover UM physician bills.
What programs are available for children at Holtz Children's Hospital?
Children at Holtz Children's Hospital may qualify for Jackson financial assistance, Florida KidCare (state children's insurance including Medicaid for children), Children's Medical Services for special health care needs, and Jackson Memorial Foundation assistance for medications, equipment, and transportation. Ask Holtz financial counselors to screen your child for all available programs.
How does Florida's coverage gap affect my options?
Florida has not expanded Medicaid, leaving over 800,000 residents in a coverage gap where they earn too much for Medicaid but too little for marketplace subsidies. If you are in this gap, Jackson Health is a critical resource. You may qualify for free or discounted care through financial assistance, or you may be eligible for Jackson Plus managed care. Contact a Jackson financial counselor to review all your options.
Does Jackson offer pharmacy or prescription assistance?
Yes. Jackson Health operates pharmacy services at its facilities. Patients enrolled in financial assistance or Jackson Plus may receive prescription medications at reduced or no cost. The Jackson Memorial Foundation can also provide additional help with medications for qualifying patients. Ask your financial counselor about all available pharmacy assistance options.
What if I am a tourist or visitor who needs emergency care?
Jackson provides emergency care to all patients regardless of insurance, residency, or ability to pay under EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act). If you are a visitor who received emergency care, you will receive a bill but can contact patient financial services at (305) 585-1111 to discuss payment options. While the full financial assistance program requires Miami-Dade residency, hardship arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis.
Related Guides
Florida state protections and other South Florida hospital systems that may help with your medical bills.
Last updated: May 2026. Information is based on publicly available Jackson Health System financial assistance policies. Always confirm current eligibility requirements directly with Jackson Health patient financial services at (305) 585-1111.