Penn Medicine Financial Assistance: Free Care at 0-300% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Penn Medicine (the University of Pennsylvania Health System) offers 100% free care for patients with household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus discounted care for patients between 301-400% FPL. As one of the top-ranked academic medical centers in the nation, Penn Medicine operates six hospitals across the Philadelphia region, Chester County, Lancaster, and New Jersey. Under federal 501(r) rules and Pennsylvania fair pricing law, Penn Medicine is required to provide financial assistance and may not bill eligible patients more than amounts generally billed to insured patients.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Patients at 0-300% FPL (single: up to ~$47,880/yr) receive full coverage with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible services
Discounted Care to 400% FPL
Patients between 301-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) qualify for a sliding scale discount on eligible charges
6 Hospitals Covered
HUP, Penn Presbyterian, Pennsylvania Hospital, Chester County Hospital, Lancaster General, and Princeton Health
Uninsured and Underinsured
Both uninsured and underinsured patients may apply. Penn Medicine considers total household income and available resources.
PA Fair Pricing Law Protections
Under Pennsylvania law, nonprofit hospitals like Penn Medicine must offer financial assistance and cannot charge uninsured patients more than the lowest negotiated rate paid by commercial insurers. Penn Medicine also cannot use extraordinary collection actions (lawsuits, wage garnishment, liens) against patients who are eligible for financial assistance.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-300% FPL | Up to ~$47,880/yr | 100% Free Care (full write-off) |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | Discounted care (sliding scale) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both uninsured and underinsured patients may apply for financial assistance.
- Penn Medicine considers total household income and other available resources.
- Patients are encouraged to apply for Medicaid and health insurance through Pennie (PA exchange) if eligible. Failure to enroll in available coverage may affect assistance levels.
- Penn Medicine will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Financial assistance applies to medically necessary services provided at Penn Medicine facilities.
- Lancaster General Health (part of Penn Medicine) follows the same eligibility thresholds.
Penn Medicine Hospitals Covered
Philadelphia Region
Suburban and Regional
Outpatient and Specialty
Financial assistance covers medically necessary services at Penn Medicine hospitals and many affiliated outpatient practices. Penn Medicine Princeton Health (NJ) may have separate state-specific requirements. Contact financial counseling for details about coverage at specific locations.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care for patients at 0-300% FPL (~$47,880/yr single). Discounted care at 301-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Both uninsured and underinsured patients may qualify.
Contact Financial Counseling
Call Penn Medicine at 1-800-406-1177 to speak with a financial counselor. You can also visit a financial counselor in person at any Penn Medicine hospital. For Lancaster General Health, call 717-544-1957.
Complete the Application
Download from pennmedicine.org, request by phone at 1-800-406-1177, or pick up in person at any Penn Medicine hospital. Fill out completely with household income, family size, and insurance information for all household members.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail: Penn Medicine, Attn: Financial Assistance, P.O. Box 824406, Philadelphia, PA 19182
- In person: Financial counselor at any Penn Medicine hospital
- Phone: Call 1-800-406-1177 for assistance completing and submitting your application
Await Your Decision
Penn Medicine typically processes applications within 10 business days of receiving a completed application with all required documentation. If approved, your eligible balances will be adjusted accordingly.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Incomplete application: Missing fields or unsigned forms will delay processing. Double-check everything before submitting.
- Missing income documentation: Include pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters for all household members.
- Not exploring insurance options: Penn Medicine expects patients to apply for Medicaid or Pennie marketplace coverage if eligible. Skipping this step may reduce your assistance level.
- Waiting too long: Apply as soon as you receive a bill you cannot afford. Do not let bills go to collections before seeking help.
- Assuming insured patients cannot apply: If you are underinsured and struggling with out-of-pocket costs, you may still qualify for assistance.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income records
- Income information for all household members
Other Documentation
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, driver's license)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance cards (if applicable)
- Denial letter from Medicaid (if applicable)
- Documentation of assets and resources
Important: Penn Medicine updates its Federal Poverty Guidelines annually (effective January 1 each year). Income thresholds change annually, so verify current limits when applying. Make sure your application is complete and signed before submitting.
Struggling with a Penn Medicine Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your Penn Medicine medical bills, check for errors and overcharges, and negotiate on your behalf. Academic medical centers like Penn Medicine often have complex billing with multiple providers for a single visit. Having an advocate can help you identify savings you might miss on your own. No upfront cost to get started.
Get Help with Your Penn Medicine BillPennsylvania Wage Garnishment Protection
Pennsylvania has one of the strongest wage protection laws in the country. This is critical context for any patient facing collection pressure from Penn Medicine or its billing partners.
Key Protections
- PA law prohibits wage garnishment for consumer debts, including medical bills
- This applies regardless of the amount owed or how long the debt has gone unpaid
- Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states with a near-total ban on wage garnishment for medical debt
- Exceptions exist only for taxes, child support, student loans, and certain court-ordered restitution
What Creditors Can Still Do
- Place liens on real estate property
- Potentially levy bank accounts (though PA courts have limited this)
- Report to credit bureaus (though new federal rules limit medical debt reporting)
- Sue you and obtain a judgment (but they still cannot garnish wages)
For more about your rights as a Pennsylvania patient, see our Pennsylvania Medical Bill Rights guide.
Penn Medicine Payment Plans
If you do not qualify for financial assistance (or for any remaining balance after assistance is applied), Penn Medicine offers payment plan options.
- Contact Penn Medicine billing at 1-800-406-1177 to discuss payment arrangements
- Interest-free payment plans are available for qualifying balances
- You can manage payments online through MyPennMedicine (MyChart) or by phone
- Always request a payment plan before your bill goes to collections
- Ask about prompt-pay discounts for uninsured patients paying at the time of service
- Penn Medicine also accepts credit card payments and offers online bill pay at pennmedbill.com
Tip: Even if you can afford monthly payments, apply for financial assistance first. You may qualify for a reduced balance, and then you can set up a payment plan on the lower amount.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Understand the Reason
Call 1-800-406-1177 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, eligibility for Medicaid or other government programs, or not applying for available insurance coverage.
2. Reapply with Complete Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Make sure every field is filled out, the form is signed, and all income documentation is included for every household member.
3. Apply for Medicaid or Pennie Coverage
If Penn Medicine denied your application because you may be eligible for government programs or marketplace insurance, apply for those programs and then reapply for financial assistance to cover any remaining balance. PA Medicaid covers residents up to 138% FPL.
4. Explore Other Options
- Request an itemized bill: Review every charge for errors or duplicate billing
- Negotiate directly: Ask about prompt-pay discounts or reduced rates for uninsured patients
- Payment plan: Set up affordable monthly payments on the remaining balance
- PA Attorney General: File a complaint if you believe Penn Medicine is not following its own FA policy or PA fair pricing law
- PA wage protection: Remember that Penn Medicine cannot garnish your wages under Pennsylvania law
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Penn Medicine bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case, identify billing errors, and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Financial Assistance
Additional Resources
Official Policy Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Penn Medicine financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 300% FPL (~$47,880/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Patients between 301-400% FPL qualify for discounted care on a sliding scale. Both uninsured and underinsured patients may apply. Penn Medicine considers total household income and available resources.
Can Penn Medicine garnish my wages in Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania prohibits wage garnishment for consumer debts, including medical bills. This is one of the strongest debtor protections in the country. Penn Medicine cannot garnish your wages regardless of how much you owe. However, they may pursue other collection methods like property liens or credit reporting.
Which hospitals are covered?
Penn Medicine financial assistance covers the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, Chester County Hospital, Lancaster General Hospital, and Penn Medicine Princeton Health. Many affiliated outpatient practices are also covered.
Do I need to apply for Medicaid first?
Penn Medicine encourages patients to explore all available coverage options, including Medicaid and Pennie marketplace insurance. Failure to enroll in available coverage when eligible may affect your assistance level. However, you can apply for financial assistance while waiting for a Medicaid determination.
How long does the application take?
Penn Medicine typically processes completed financial assistance applications within 10 business days of receipt. Incomplete applications or missing documentation will delay processing. Call 1-800-406-1177 to check on your application status.
Does Penn Medicine financial assistance cover insured patients?
Yes, both uninsured and underinsured patients may apply for financial assistance at Penn Medicine. If your insurance leaves you with significant out-of-pocket costs that you cannot afford, contact 1-800-406-1177 to discuss your options.
Need Help with Your Penn Medicine Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify errors and overcharges, and negotiate with Penn Medicine on your behalf. Academic medical centers often generate complex bills with charges from multiple departments and providers. A professional advocate can help you navigate the process and save money. 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 Penn Medicine financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Penn Medicine Princeton Health (NJ) may have state-specific requirements. Always verify current requirements directly with Penn Medicine at 1-800-406-1177 or visit pennmedicine.org.