Regional One Health Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL (2026 Guide)
Regional One Health is Shelby County's public safety-net hospital, operating the only adult Level 1 Trauma Center within 150 miles and the only verified burn center within 400 miles of Memphis. The hospital provides over $67 million in uncompensated care annually. Patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for 100% free care, and those between 200% and 300% FPL receive discounted care on a sliding scale. For a family of 4, free care covers income up to approximately $66,000 per year.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care (0-200% FPL)
Full write-off for patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. No balance billing for qualifying services.
Discounted Care (200-300% FPL)
Sliding scale discounts for patients between 200% and 300% FPL. The discount amount increases as income decreases toward the 200% threshold.
$67.3 Million in Charity Care Annually
As Shelby County's safety-net hospital, Regional One provides more uncompensated care than any other hospital in the Memphis area. They are accustomed to processing these applications.
240-Day Application Window
You have 240 days from the first post-discharge billing statement to submit your application. This applies even if your account has already been sent to collections.
ONE Health Program: Beyond Financial Assistance
Regional One's ONE Health Complex Care Program (launched 2018 with the Camden Coalition) goes beyond bill reduction. Social workers and nurses help uninsured patients apply for Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security disability, and connect them with housing and employment. Ask to be referred. Participants saw a 42% drop in ER visits and 55% fewer hospitalizations.
Eligibility Calculator (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
100% Free Care: Household income at or below $31,920 (200% FPL)
Discounted Care: Household income between $31,920 and $47,880 (200-300% FPL)
100% FPL for household of 1 = $15,960 | 200% FPL = $31,920 | 300% FPL = $47,880
| Household Size | 200% FPL (Free Care) | 300% FPL (Discount Limit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $31,920/yr | $47,880/yr |
| 2 people | $43,280/yr | $64,920/yr |
| 3 people | $54,640/yr | $81,960/yr |
| 4 people | $66,000/yr | $99,000/yr |
| 5 people | $77,360/yr | $116,040/yr |
| 6 people | $88,720/yr | $133,080/yr |
| 7 people | $100,080/yr | $150,120/yr |
| 8 people | $111,440/yr | $167,160/yr |
Key Eligibility Details
- All adults must disclose income: Every household member age 18 and older must report their income, including wages, unemployment, SSI, child support, pensions, and disability.
- No insurance requirement: Both uninsured and underinsured patients may apply.
- Verification: Regional One reserves the right to verify all income and family size information.
- Emergency and medically necessary services: Financial assistance covers emergency care and medically necessary services provided at Regional One facilities.
- Apply within 240 days of the first post-discharge billing statement.
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Get Help with Your BillCovered Facilities
Regional Medical Center (Main Campus)
877 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Additional Facilities
The financial assistance policy applies to all Regional One Health entities. Contact Patient Financial Services at (901) 545-6644 to confirm coverage for your specific service.
Documents You Will Need
Proof of Income (any of these)
- Recent pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
- Tax return from the previous year
- Benefit award letters (SSI, SSDI, unemployment)
- Child support or alimony documentation
- Pension or retirement income statements
- Worker's compensation documentation
If You Have No Income Documentation
- Notarized written statement from an employer or other party describing your financial situation
- Letter of support from someone who can attest to your circumstances
- Self-declaration of income (must be notarized)
This is more flexible than many hospitals that strictly require pay stubs or tax returns.
Good news: Regional One accepts notarized written statements if you cannot provide traditional income documentation. This is especially helpful for patients who are self-employed, homeless, or recently lost employment. Many other hospitals will not accept this alternative.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
You qualify for 100% free care if your household income is at or below 200% FPL. For a single person, that is approximately $31,920/year. For a family of 4, approximately $66,000/year. Discounted care is available for households between 200% and 300% FPL.
Ask About the ONE Health Program
Before or during your application, ask to be referred to the ONE Health Complex Care Program. Their social workers can help you apply for Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security disability, and connect you with housing and employment services. This program has helped over 700 patients since 2018.
Gather Your Documents
Collect proof of income for all household members age 18 and older. If you lack traditional documentation, a notarized letter describing your financial situation is acceptable. This makes Regional One more accessible than hospitals that require bank statements or strict documentation.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Phone: (901) 545-6644 (Patient Financial Services)
- In Person: 877 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
- Download Application: regionalonehealth.org/financial-assistance-policy/
Follow Up
Call (901) 545-6644 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. If you are approved for Medicaid or other coverage through the ONE Health program, that may cover your bills retroactively.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of the first post-discharge billing statement. Do not wait for a collections notice.
- Not disclosing all household members: All adults (18+) in your household must disclose income. Missing a household member can delay or invalidate your application.
- Providing false information: Regional One verifies income data. False information results in denial and you may be billed for services previously provided as uncompensated care.
- Ignoring the ONE Health referral: If you qualify for Medicaid or disability, the ONE Health program can get you enrolled, which provides ongoing coverage beyond a single bill.
- Assuming trauma care is automatically free: Even though Regional One is a public hospital, you must still apply for financial assistance. Bills are not automatically waived.
Important Notes: Collections and Tennessee Protections
Regional One Health Collection History
- Regional One filed approximately 1,900 collection lawsuits between 2014 and 2018.
- For comparison, Methodist Le Bonheur filed over 8,300 and Baptist Memorial filed over 6,700 in the same period.
- While Regional One is less aggressive than its Memphis peers, lawsuits still happen. Do not assume you are safe without applying.
- Federal law requires nonprofits to accept financial assistance applications for 240 days after the first billing statement, even if your account is already in collections.
Tennessee Legal Context
- No state charity care law: Tennessee does not have a state-level charity care statute. Protections come only from federal 501(c)(3) requirements.
- 6-year statute of limitations: Medical debt lawsuits in Tennessee must be filed within 6 years of the date of service.
- Wage garnishment: Tennessee allows wage garnishment for medical debt judgments (up to 25% of disposable earnings).
- $5,000 personal property exemption: Tennessee protections for personal property are limited.
- Homestead exemption: Tennessee provides a $5,000 homestead exemption ($7,500 if married), which is low compared to many states.
Why Applying Early Matters
Because Tennessee lacks a state charity care law and has weak debtor protections, your best defense is applying for financial assistance within the 240-day window. Regional One is obligated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to consider your application. Even if your bill is already in collections, you can still apply. The hospital must halt extraordinary collection actions while your application is pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Regional One Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL qualify for 100% free care. For a single person, that is approximately $31,920/year. For a family of 4, approximately $66,000/year. Patients between 200% and 300% FPL qualify for discounted care on a sliding scale.
Is Regional One a public hospital? Does that make care free?
Regional One Health is Shelby County's public safety-net hospital, but care is not automatically free. You must apply for financial assistance separately. The hospital leases its facilities from Shelby County and receives some public funding, but still bills patients and pursues collections for unpaid balances.
What if I have no income documentation at all?
Regional One accepts notarized written statements from employers, family members, or other parties who can attest to your financial situation. This is more flexible than many hospitals. If you are homeless or recently lost employment, explain your circumstances in a notarized letter.
What is the ONE Health program and should I ask about it?
Yes. The ONE Health Complex Care Program connects uninsured patients with Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security disability, housing, and employment resources. If you qualify for Medicaid, it can cover your bills retroactively (up to 3 months). This provides ongoing coverage, not just a one-time write-off. Ask any staff member to refer you.
Can I apply if my bill is already in collections?
Yes. Federal law requires nonprofit hospitals to accept financial assistance applications for 240 days after the first billing statement, regardless of collection status. The hospital must halt extraordinary collection actions (lawsuits, wage garnishment, credit reporting) while your application is pending.
I was brought here by ambulance for trauma. Do I still need to apply?
Yes. Even though Regional One operates the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the region and you may not have chosen to go there, you will still receive a bill. Financial assistance is not automatic. Apply as soon as you are able after receiving your first statement.
Contact Information
Patient Financial Services
Address and Website
Need Help with Your Regional One Health Bill?
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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 Regional One Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Regional One Health Patient Financial Services at (901) 545-6644 or visit regionalonehealth.org/financial-assistance-policy/. Regional One Health is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that leases its facilities from Shelby County Government.