Mayo Clinic Financial Assistance (Charity Care): Complete 2026 Guide
Mayo Clinic offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care at its hospital campuses in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota. Many campus policies use income-based tiers for free or discounted care, plus asset and insurance reviews. This guide covers eligibility basics, typical income tiers, required documents, and step-by-step application instructions so you can apply quickly and correctly.
Quick Facts
Free Care Tiers
Many campuses use income-based tiers for free care
Discounted Care Tiers
Discounts can apply above free-care tiers, by campus
Apply on Time
Use the deadline listed on your campus application
844-217-9591
Patient Account Services (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Mayo Clinic Hospital Campuses
Mayo Clinic publishes campus-specific financial assistance policies for its hospital locations. Use the official resources below to confirm your facility and covered services.
Arizona
Florida
Minnesota
Note: Mayo Clinic Health System facilities (community hospitals and clinics) may use separate policies and applications. Always confirm campus-specific guidance and provider coverage before submitting your application.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Many Mayo Clinic campus policies use income-based tiers for free and discounted care, with additional review of assets, insurance status, and other circumstances. Use the table below as a starting point, then confirm your campus-specific thresholds on the official application.
| Income Level | Family of 1 | Family of 2 | Family of 3 | Family of 4 | Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical free-care tier (often 200% FPL or below) | Up to $31,920 | Up to $43,280 | Up to $54,640 | Up to $66,000 | 100% Free |
| Typical discount tier (often 201-400% FPL) | $31,921-$63,840 | $43,281-$86,560 | $54,641-$109,280 | $66,001-$132,000 | Discounted* |
| Above typical discount tier | Above $63,840 | Above $86,560 | Above $109,280 | Above $132,000 | Case-by-case** |
2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Add $5,680 for each additional family member above 4.
Important Notes:
- • *Discount levels and tiers vary by campus and circumstances
- • **Individual campus policies may allow assistance above typical discount tiers
- • Financial assistance applies to emergency and medically necessary care only
- • Eligibility is also based on assets, insurance status, and other factors beyond income
- • All applicants may be required to complete Medicaid screening
Care That Is Covered
Financial assistance generally applies to emergency and medically necessary services provided by Mayo Clinic hospitals and Mayo Clinic providers. Non-emergency services from out-of-network providers are typically excluded.
Care That Is Not Covered
Assistance does not cover cosmetic or elective procedures, fertility services, gastric bypass, or non-medical costs such as travel, lodging, meals, prescriptions, or personal convenience items.
Additional Ways to Qualify
Presumptive Eligibility
Mayo Clinic may use third-party data or available information to presumptively determine your eligibility without requiring a full application. If you are clearly eligible or ineligible for Medicaid, Mayo Clinic may proceed with the financial assistance review without a full Medicaid application.
Special Circumstances & Hardship
If your situation includes recent job loss, disability, terminal illness, catastrophic medical conditions, or other hardship, submit documentation. Mayo Clinic can consider case-by-case factors beyond standard income guidelines, including for patients above the 400% FPL threshold.
Insured & Underinsured Patients
You may still qualify for assistance even if you have insurance. If your insurance benefits are exhausted, services are not covered, or your out-of-pocket costs are unaffordable, you can apply for financial assistance on the remaining balance.
Required Documents Checklist
Income Verification (Required)
- Tax return (current or prior year) OR W-2 if tax return is unavailable
- Pay stubs (most recent month)
- Benefit statements (Social Security, unemployment, disability, pension — if applicable)
Assets & Accounts
- Bank statements (most recent month, all accounts)
- Investment or retirement account statements (if applicable)
Household & Identity
- Proof of household size and residency
- Photo ID for the applicant or head of household
Important: Submit unaltered, unstapled, and unclipped copies of all documents — Mayo Clinic cannot return originals. Mayo Clinic may request additional documentation depending on your campus and circumstances.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Review the income table above and confirm the exact tiers on your campus application. Many campuses use free-care and discount tiers based on income.
5 minutes
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents from the checklist above. Having everything ready prevents delays — incomplete applications are the most common reason for slow processing.
15 minutes
Apply Online (Fastest)
Use Patient Online Services to complete the application and upload documents. This is the quickest method and allows you to track status.
20 minutes
Or Submit the PDF Application
Download the financial assistance application from Mayo Clinic's website and send it by mail or fax with supporting documents. Use the address listed on your specific campus form.
20 minutes
Complete Medicaid Screening
If required, submit a Medicaid or state medical assistance application. Mayo Clinic may require this step unless you are presumed ineligible under your state rules.
Varies
Confirm Receipt & Follow Up
Call Patient Account Services at 844-217-9591 to confirm your documents were received. Ask about estimated processing time and next steps.
Ongoing
Tips for a Smooth Application
✓ Use Patient Online Services
Online submission is the quickest method and allows you to upload documents and check status.
✓ Send Complete Documentation
Missing documents are the most common reason applications are delayed. Submit copies only — originals will not be returned.
✓ Apply Within Your Campus Window
Most campuses allow applications within a set window after the first billing statement (often 240 days). Apply as soon as possible.
✓ Follow Campus-Specific Instructions
Policies and addresses can differ by campus. Use the instructions on your specific application form.
Timelines, Status & Appeals
Key Deadlines
- Application Window:Use the deadline listed on your campus application (often 240 days from the first billing statement)
- Eligibility Validity:Time-limited approval; re-evaluation timing varies by campus
- Collection Hold:Request a billing hold while your application is under review
Check Your Status
Call: 844-217-9591
Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Have ready: Mayo Clinic number, patient name, date of birth, and account number.
If Denied: What to Do Next
- 1.Call Patient Account Services to understand the specific reason for denial
- 2.Ask whether additional documentation or corrected information could change the determination
- 3.If circumstances have changed (job loss, new medical expenses), submit updated documentation and request reconsideration
- 4.Ask about payment plans or other financial options if you do not qualify for charity care
Need Professional Help? If your charity care is denied or you're facing complex medical bills, CareRoute's Medical Bill Negotiation service provides expert negotiation — you only pay if we save you money.
Contacts & Official Links
Patient Account Services
Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Financial Assistance Fax
Mailing Address (Rochester)
Use the address listed on your campus application if it differs
In-Person Assistance
Patient Account Services offices are available at Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Mayo Clinic financial assistance?
What is the deadline to apply?
What care is covered by Mayo Clinic financial assistance?
Do I need to apply for Medicaid first?
Can I qualify if I have insurance?
How long is the eligibility determination valid?
How do I submit the application and documents?
Does this apply to Mayo Clinic Health System locations?
Next Steps
Related Resources:
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Eligibility requirements and processes may change. Always confirm current policies directly with Mayo Clinic.CareRoute is not affiliated with Mayo Clinic or Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.