Orlando Health Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Orlando Health, a nonprofit hospital system based in Central Florida, offers 100% free care (charity care) for patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Patients earning between 201-400% FPL may qualify for sliding scale discounts. The policy covers 8 hospitals across the Orlando metro area, including Orlando Regional Medical Center, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. There is no citizenship requirement to apply.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care (0-200% FPL)
Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) receive full charity care for emergency and medically necessary services
Sliding Scale Discounts (201-400% FPL)
Patients with income between 201-400% FPL (~$31,921-$63,840/yr single) receive discounted care on a sliding scale
8 Hospitals in Central Florida
Covers all Orlando Health facilities including Orlando Regional Medical Center, Arnold Palmer Hospital, and more
240-Day Application Window
From date of service. No citizenship or residency requirement to apply.
Eligibility Calculator (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
This calculator provides an estimate only. Actual eligibility is determined by Orlando Health based on your complete application and documentation.
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | 100% Free Care (Charity Care) |
| 201-300% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$47,880/yr | Sliding scale discount |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | Sliding scale discount |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
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Get Help with Your BillCovered Facilities (8 Hospitals)
Orlando Health Hospitals (Central Florida, Orlando Metro Area)
Orlando Health is a nonprofit hospital system. It is not a public hospital system. The financial assistance policy applies to all Orlando Health hospitals listed above. Contact (321) 843-7575 to confirm coverage for your specific visit.
Required Documents
Proof of Income
- Recent pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- W-2 forms or 1099 forms
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income documentation
- Income documentation for all household members
Other Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID
- Household size verification
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Orlando Health account number or billing statement
No citizenship or residency documents required. Orlando Health does not require proof of citizenship, immigration status, or Florida residency to apply for financial assistance.
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing or result in denial. Make sure every required field is completed, the application is signed, and all supporting documentation is included before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care for household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single). Sliding scale discounts for income between 201-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). No citizenship or residency requirement.
Contact Patient Financial Services
Call (321) 843-7575 or visit the Patient Financial Services office at any Orlando Health hospital. A financial counselor can help determine your eligibility and guide you through the process.
Gather Required Documents
Collect proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), household size verification, and a government-issued ID. No citizenship documents needed.
Complete and Submit the Application
Download the application from orlandohealth.com or request one by phone. Fill out all fields completely and submit with supporting documentation. You can submit:
- In person: Patient Financial Services at any Orlando Health hospital
- By mail: As directed by Patient Financial Services
- By phone: Call (321) 843-7575 for submission instructions
Follow Up
Call (321) 843-7575 to confirm receipt and check your application status. Keep copies of everything you submit. Respond promptly if additional information is requested.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your date of service.
- Incomplete application: Missing documents or unsigned forms will delay or prevent approval.
- Not including all household members: Your household size affects FPL calculations. Include everyone in your household.
- Ignoring bills while waiting: Contact Orlando Health to let them know you are applying so your account is flagged appropriately.
- Waiting for collections: Apply as soon as you receive your first bill. Do not wait until your account goes to collections.
Important Notes
Key Details
- No citizenship requirement: Orlando Health does not require U.S. citizenship or immigration documentation.
- No residency requirement: You do not need to be a Florida resident to apply.
- Nonprofit system: Orlando Health is a nonprofit 501(r) organization (not a public hospital system).
- Application deadline: 240 days from date of service.
- AGB protection: Orlando Health will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Covers medically necessary and emergency care: Elective or cosmetic procedures are generally not covered.
- Both insured and uninsured patients may apply if they meet income criteria.
- Collection protection: Orlando Health cannot initiate extraordinary collection actions (ECAs) for at least 120 days after the initial billing date.
Florida Patient Protections
- No Surprises Act: You cannot be balance billed for emergency care at out-of-network facilities.
- 5-year statute of limitations: Medical debt collectors have only 5 years to file a lawsuit in Florida.
- Unlimited homestead exemption: Your primary residence is protected from medical debt creditors in Florida.
- Head-of-household wage garnishment exemption: If you provide more than half the support for a dependent, your wages may be exempt from garnishment.
Contact Information
Patient Financial Services
Online & In Person
Official Resources
Applications and policy documents may be available in Spanish and other languages. Call (321) 843-7575 for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Orlando Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) qualify for 100% free care on emergency and medically necessary services. Patients with income between 201-400% FPL qualify for sliding scale discounts. There is no citizenship or residency requirement, and both insured and uninsured patients may apply.
What hospitals are covered?
The financial assistance policy covers all 8 Orlando Health hospitals: Orlando Regional Medical Center, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, South Seminole Hospital, St. Cloud Hospital, Health Central Hospital, and South Lake Hospital.
Is there a citizenship or residency requirement?
No. Orlando Health does not require U.S. citizenship, immigration documentation, or Florida residency to qualify for financial assistance. Eligibility is based on household income and size.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 240 days from the date of service to submit a complete application. Under federal 501(r) rules, Orlando Health cannot initiate extraordinary collection actions for at least 120 days after the initial billing date.
What documents do I need?
You will need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), household size verification, and a government-issued ID. No citizenship or residency documents are required.
Can my home be taken for medical debt in Florida?
No. Florida has an unlimited homestead exemption that protects your primary residence from creditors, including medical debt collectors. They cannot force the sale of your home regardless of the debt amount.
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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 Orlando Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Orlando Health at (321) 843-7575 or visit orlandohealth.com/patients-and-visitors/financial-assistance.