OU Health Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL + Discounts to 300% FPL (2026 Guide)
OU Health (University of Oklahoma Health) is Oklahoma's only comprehensive academic medical center, with 800+ beds across OU Medical Center, Oklahoma Children's Hospital, and OU Health Edmond Medical Center. Their financial assistance program offers 100% free care at or below 200% FPL, and sliding-scale discounts of 79-97% for those between 201-300% FPL.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Household income at 0-200% FPL (single: up to ~$31,920/yr) qualifies for full charity care on emergency and medically necessary services
79-97% Discounts to 300% FPL
Income between 201-300% FPL (~$31,921 to ~$47,880/yr single) receives sliding-scale discounts of 79% to 97% off total charges
Oklahoma's Only Academic Medical Center
State instrumentality affiliated with OU, covering 800+ beds across 3 hospitals and dozens of specialty clinics in the OKC metro
240-Day Application Window
You have 240 days from your first billing statement to apply. Extensions may be granted upon request. Allow 30 business days for review.
State Instrumentality (Not a Standard Nonprofit)
OU Health operates as an instrumentality of the State of Oklahoma, affiliated with the OU Health Sciences Center. Unlike most hospital systems, it is not required to file IRS Form 990. It remains subject to Section 501(r) financial assistance requirements.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-150% FPL | Up to ~$23,940/yr | 100% Free Care |
| 151-200% FPL | ~$23,941 - ~$31,920/yr | 100% Free Care |
| 201-250% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$39,900/yr | ~90-97% discount on total charges |
| 251-300% FPL | ~$39,901 - ~$47,880/yr | ~79-89% discount on total charges |
| Above 300% FPL | Above ~$47,880/yr | Not eligible (but payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients may qualify.
- Only emergency or medically necessary services are covered. Elective procedures are excluded.
- Covers hospital bills and certain employed physicians only. Check the policy for the covered provider list.
- Uninsured patients must cooperate with SoonerCare (Medicaid) screening before FA is determined.
- Oklahoma Medicaid covers adults up to 138% FPL (~$22,025/yr single).
- FA-eligible patients are never charged more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- FPL amounts are for one person. Add ~$5,680/yr per additional household member.
Oklahoma Context: Medicaid Expansion and the OU Indigent Health Program
SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) Expansion
Oklahoma expanded Medicaid (SoonerCare) on July 1, 2021, covering adults 19-64 up to 138% FPL (~$22,025/yr single). If uninsured and below this threshold, apply for SoonerCare first. No premiums for the expansion population.
- Adults 19-64: Up to 138% FPL (~$22,025/yr single)
- Pregnant women: Up to 210% FPL | Children: Up to ~205% FPL
- Apply: mysoonercare.org or call 1-800-987-7767
OU Indigent Health Program
Oklahoma also operates the OU Indigent Health Program through the Department of Rehabilitation Services, providing medical services at OU Health for qualifying low-income residents without insurance or Medicaid. Contact 1-800-845-8476 for eligibility. This is separate from OU Health's own financial assistance policy, and qualifying for one does not disqualify you from the other.
OU Health Hospitals and Facilities
Major Hospitals
Specialty Centers and Clinics
The OU Health Financial Assistance Policy applies to hospital services and certain employed physician clinics. A list of covered physicians is available in the policy document. Some independently billing physicians or outside providers may have separate policies. Always confirm coverage when scheduling.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal tax return (preferred)
- If no tax return filed, provide any two of: pay stubs, Social Security/disability letters, unemployment statements, bank statements, or self-employment records
Other Required Items
- Completed OU Health Financial Assistance Application (signed by responsible party)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Oklahoma residency
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Income documentation for all household members
Important: OU Health requires a signed application with supporting documents. Incomplete submissions trigger a 30-day notice before collection actions may resume.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care at 0-200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts of 79-97% at 201-300% FPL (~$47,880/yr single). Only emergency and medically necessary services qualify.
Contact OU Health
Call 1-888-472-0040 (Customer Service) or 1-866-656-8715 (Financial Assistance). Representatives can help you determine eligibility, set up payment arrangements, or walk you through the application process.
Complete the Application
Download the Financial Assistance Application from ouhealth.com (available in English and Spanish). Fill out completely, including household size and income for all members. The responsible party must sign the application.
Submit Your Application
Mail: PO Box 269070, Oklahoma City, OK 73126. In person: Any OU Health hospital (main campus: 1200 Everett Drive, OKC 73104). Or call 1-888-472-0040 for guidance.
Wait for a Decision (30 Business Days)
OU Health will notify you in writing. Call 1-888-472-0040 to check status.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the 240-day deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement. Request an extension if needed.
- Incomplete application: Missing signature or documents will delay review and may trigger collection actions after 30 days.
- Skipping SoonerCare screening: Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid screening or risk denial.
- Assuming all providers are covered: Independently billing providers (anesthesiologists, radiologists) may have separate policies.
Struggling with an OU Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your OU Health bill for errors, identify financial assistance you may be missing, and negotiate directly with OU Health on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Get Help with Your OU Health BillPayment Plans
- Call 1-888-472-0040 to set up payment arrangements, even if you do not qualify for financial assistance
- Patients with partial financial assistance (201-300% FPL) may also arrange plans on the remaining balance
- Pay bills online at ouhealth.com billing page
- Mail payments to: OU Health, PO Box 248980, Oklahoma City, OK 73126
- Contact OU Health as soon as possible after receiving a bill to discuss options
Collection Practices: What to Know
Extraordinary Collection Actions (ECAs)
OU Health may initiate ECAs after 120 days from your first billing statement if no financial assistance application has been received. ECAs can include:
- Selling debt to third-party collectors (except as required by law)
- Reporting to credit bureaus (adverse information to consumer credit agencies)
- Legal action including liens, foreclosures on real estate, wage attachments, seizures, and civil lawsuits
Protections During Application Period
- A complete application during the 240-day window suspends ECAs during review
- An incomplete application triggers written notice with 30 days to complete before ECAs resume
Apply for financial assistance as soon as possible. OU Health's collection policy allows more aggressive actions than many academic medical centers, so do not wait or ignore billing statements.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Ask Why and Reapply
Call 1-888-472-0040 to learn the specific reason for denial. Common reasons include income above 300% FPL, incomplete documentation, or missing signature. You can reapply with corrected or additional documentation within the 240-day window.
2. Check Other Programs
- SoonerCare: Covers adults up to 138% FPL. Apply at mysoonercare.org or call 1-800-987-7767
- OU Indigent Health Program: State-funded. Call 1-800-845-8476
- Payment plans: Call 1-888-472-0040 even if denied FA
- Dollar For: Free nonprofit help applying for charity care (dollarfor.org)
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your OU Health bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Phone Numbers
Mail & Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for OU Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Those between 201-300% FPL get sliding-scale discounts of 79-97%. Only emergency and medically necessary services are eligible. Both insured and uninsured patients may apply.
What is the deadline to apply?
240 days from your first billing statement. Extensions may be granted upon request. Do not wait, as incomplete applications delay approval.
Does financial assistance cover OU Children's Hospital?
Yes. Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health is covered under the same policy with the same FPL thresholds. It is the state's only freestanding comprehensive pediatric hospital (246 beds, 50+ specialties).
Can OU Health sue me for unpaid bills?
Yes. OU Health may pursue ECAs including legal action, credit reporting, and debt sales after 120 days. This is more aggressive than many academic medical centers. Apply for FA as soon as possible.
What if I already have SoonerCare (Medicaid)?
SoonerCare covers your OU Health bills directly. FA is primarily for uninsured patients or those whose insurance does not fully cover bills. If you may qualify but have not enrolled, apply at mysoonercare.org or call 1-800-987-7767.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Financial assistance eligibility and policies are determined by OU Health (OU Medicine, Inc.) and may change. Information is current as of 2026 based on publicly available policy documents. For the most current information, contact OU Health directly at 1-888-472-0040 or visit ouhealth.com. CareRoute is not affiliated with OU Health or the University of Oklahoma.