Loma Linda University Medical Center Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) is a Seventh-day Adventist nonprofit academic medical center in San Bernardino County. It offers free charity care for uninsured patients at or below 200% FPL, and discounted care on a sliding scale for patients between 201% and 400% FPL. The policy covers all LLUH hospitals: Children's Hospital, Murrieta, East Campus, and Behavioral Medicine Center. California law (SB 1276) mandates charity care at 400% FPL.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Charity Care
Uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL (single: up to ~$31,920/yr) receive full charity care with no bill for covered services
Discounted Care to 400% FPL
Patients at 201-400% FPL (~$32,080 to ~$63,840/yr single) get sliding-scale discounts on their bill
Five Hospitals Covered
LLUMC main campus, Children's Hospital, East Campus, Medical Center-Murrieta, and Behavioral Medicine Center all share the same financial assistance program
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement. Loma Linda must provide notice before collection actions begin.
Insured Patients Can Also Qualify
Insured patients between 201-400% FPL may qualify for discounted care on out-of-pocket costs. Patients with "high medical costs" relative to income receive special consideration.
Nonprofit Mission-Driven Hospital
As a Seventh-day Adventist 501(c)(3) nonprofit, LLUMC provides charity care under both IRS Section 501(r) and California state law.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approx. Income (Single) | Assistance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | Charity Care: 100% Free (uninsured) |
| 201-350% FPL | ~$32,080 - ~$55,860/yr | Discounted Care (sliding scale) |
| 351-400% FPL | ~$56,020 - ~$63,840/yr | Discounted Care (CA law mandate) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Free charity care (0-200% FPL) applies to uninsured patients. Insured patients may still qualify for discounted care on out-of-pocket costs.
- Patients with "high medical costs" relative to income get special consideration in the 201-400% FPL range.
- Assets are not considered when determining eligibility (California law, effective January 2025).
- Uninsured patients should be screened for Medi-Cal and Covered California.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Charges for eligible uninsured patients are capped at Medicare or Medi-Cal rates (whichever is greater).
- Covers emergency and medically necessary services only (protects life, prevents significant illness or disability, or alleviates severe pain).
California Patient Protections (SB 1276 and Hospital Fair Pricing Act)
Under the Hospital Fair Pricing Act, SB 1276, AB 2297, and SB 1061, all California hospitals must follow these rules:
Key California Protections
- Hospitals must offer charity care at or below 400% FPL (SB 1276 raised the threshold from 350%)
- Eligible uninsured patients cannot be charged more than Medicare or Medi-Cal rates
- Hospitals cannot consider monetary assets (as of January 2025, per AB 2297)
- Hospitals must provide notice before extraordinary collection actions
- Hospitals cannot sell patient debt unless the patient is ineligible or has not responded for 180 days
- Patients can file complaints with HCAI (Department of Health Care Access and Information)
For more details on your rights as a California patient, see our California Medical Bill Rights guide.
Hospitals Covered
Loma Linda University Health Hospitals
11234 Anderson St, Loma Linda, CA 92354
Main campus (Troesh Medical Campus)
11234 Anderson St, Loma Linda, CA 92354
364-bed children's hospital, only one in the region
25333 Barton Rd, Loma Linda, CA 92354
Rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurosurgery
28062 Baxter Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563
Full-service hospital in Riverside County
1710 Barton Rd, Redlands, CA 92373
Psychiatric and behavioral health services
Each facility files its own policy with HCAI but all share the same eligibility criteria and application process. Call 909-651-4300 to confirm coverage for your location.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal tax return
- Recent pay stubs (within the last few months)
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment, CalWORKs)
- Self-employment income records, if applicable
- Documentation of zero income if you have no income source
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Household size documentation
- Hospital bills or account numbers
- Documentation of unusual expenses (other medical bills, bankruptcy filings, court judgments)
High Medical Costs: Loma Linda specifically considers patients with "high medical costs" relative to income. If you have large outstanding medical bills from other providers or ongoing treatment costs, include documentation. This can strengthen your case for a larger discount in the 201-400% FPL range.
Important: The application must be completed, signed, and dated. Trained staff will review applications for completeness and accuracy. Incomplete or unsigned applications may be denied or delayed. Make sure every required field is filled out before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Free charity care for uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single). Discounted care for patients at 201-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Both insured and uninsured patients can apply for discounts. Use the FPL calculator above to check your household income against the thresholds.
Get the Application
Call 909-651-4300 or pick up a free paper application at any Admitting or Registration desk at any LLUH facility. Available in English and Spanish.
Complete the Application
Fill out the application with household income, family size, insurance information, and any unusual expenses. Include all supporting documentation listed above.
Submit Your Application
Mail the completed, signed application with supporting documents to: P.O. Box 700, Loma Linda, CA 92354. You can also submit in person at any Patient Business Office.
Follow Up
Call 909-651-4300 to confirm receipt. Keep copies of everything you submit and respond promptly if additional information is requested.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Unsigned or incomplete applications may be denied.
- Not screening for Medi-Cal: Be proactive about Medi-Cal and Covered California screening.
- Forgetting high medical costs: Include documentation of other large medical bills to increase your discount.
- Ignoring your bill: Contact Loma Linda early. Letting them know you are applying can pause collection activity.
Struggling with a Loma Linda Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your Loma Linda University Medical Center bills, verify you are being charged correctly under California law, and negotiate on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillPayment Plans
If you do not qualify for charity care or discounted care, or have a remaining balance after assistance, Loma Linda offers payment plans:
- Interest-free payment plans available for qualifying patients
- Payment amounts based on your financial situation
- Contact the Patient Business Office at 909-651-4300 to arrange a plan
- Online payments available through the LLUH patient portal
Do not ignore your bill. Contact Loma Linda to let them know you are applying, which can pause collection activity.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact the Patient Business Office
Call 909-651-4300 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, an unsigned application, or not providing proof of income.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
Submit a new application with more complete documentation, including high medical costs or unusual expenses. Make sure it is signed, dated, and fully filled out.
3. File a Complaint with California HCAI
If Loma Linda is not following SB 1276 or the Hospital Fair Pricing Act, file a complaint with HCAI (Department of Health Care Access and Information). HCAI has enforcement authority over hospital charity care compliance.
4. Explore Other Options
- Medi-Cal: Covers residents up to 138% FPL (higher for pregnant individuals and children)
- Covered California: Marketplace insurance with subsidies for low and moderate income residents
- Payment plans: Interest-free financing for remaining balances
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or services you did not receive
- San Bernardino County: Arrowhead Regional Medical Center offers indigent care for county residents
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Loma Linda bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Business Office (Billing)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Loma Linda financial assistance?
Uninsured patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) qualify for full charity care (100% free). Patients between 201-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) qualify for discounted care on a sliding scale. Both insured and uninsured patients may qualify for discounts, and patients with high medical costs get special consideration.
Charity Care vs. Discounted Care?
Charity Care is 100% free for uninsured patients at or below 200% FPL. Discounted Care is reduced charges for 201-400% FPL on a sliding scale based on family size, income, and insurance status. Patients with "high medical costs" may receive additional consideration.
Can insured patients get help?
Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients may qualify for discounted care. Insured patients can get help with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Free charity care (0-200% FPL) is for uninsured patients.
Which services are covered?
Emergency and medically necessary services (protects life, prevents significant illness or disability, or alleviates severe pain). Elective and cosmetic procedures are generally not covered.
Can Loma Linda consider my savings?
No. California law (AB 2297) prohibits hospitals from considering monetary assets. HSAs may be considered, but not savings, investments, or property.
How long do I have to apply?
240 days from your first billing statement. Apply as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Need Help with Your Loma Linda Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Loma Linda University 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 Loma Linda University Medical Center 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 Loma Linda University Health at 909-651-4300 or visit lluh.org.