Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Financial Assistance: Free Care to 400% FPL + Discounts to 650% FPL (2026 Guide)

Hospitals

Clinics

Network of primary care and specialty clinics throughout Santa Clara County. The Healthcare Access Program (HAP) covers services at all SCVH-operated facilities.

California AB 1020 Protections

California law provides strong protections for patients eligible for financial assistance:

• No wage garnishment against FA-eligible patients
• No liens on homes for medical debt
• No lawsuits to collect medical debt from eligible patients
• No adverse credit reporting while an application is pending

HAP vs. AB 1020

The Healthcare Access Program (HAP) is SCVH's own program and is more generous than what California AB 1020 requires. AB 1020 mandates charity care for patients at or below 400% FPL at nonprofit hospitals. HAP goes further by offering sliding-scale discounts up to 650% FPL and keeping documentation requirements minimal.

1. Contact Financial Counseling

Call (866) 967-4677 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 650% FPL, incomplete documentation, or residency outside Santa Clara County.

2. Reapply or Appeal

If your situation has changed or you can provide additional documentation, submit a new application. If you have insurance and your out-of-pocket costs exceed 10% of family income, make sure to highlight this as a qualification path.

3. Explore Other Options

• Medi-Cal: California Medicaid now covers undocumented adults. SCVH can help you apply.
• Payment plan: Request an interest-free payment plan for remaining balance
• Request an itemized bill: Review all charges for errors or overcharges
• California AB 1020: Even if denied HAP, you may still qualify under state law protections
• County ombudsman: As a public system, SCVH has additional accountability channels

Who qualifies for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare financial assistance?

Patients with household income at or below 400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) qualify for 100% free care through the Healthcare Access Program (HAP). Patients with income between 401-650% FPL qualify for sliding-scale discounts. Insured patients also qualify if out-of-pocket costs exceed 10% of family income. There is no citizenship requirement.

What makes SCVH's program different from other hospitals?

The 650% FPL upper threshold is almost certainly the most generous of any hospital system in the country. A family of 4 earning up to ~$214,500 can still qualify for discounted care. Documentation requirements are minimal (just ID + income proof). There is no citizenship requirement, and as a county system, SCVH cannot turn anyone away.

Does SCVH serve undocumented patients?

Yes. As a county-owned public hospital system, SCVH serves all patients regardless of immigration status. There is no citizenship requirement for financial assistance. Additionally, California now covers undocumented adults through Medi-Cal, and SCVH helps patients apply for this coverage.

Can insured patients get help with their bills?

Yes. If your out-of-pocket costs at SCVH exceed 10% of your family income, you qualify for financial assistance regardless of your insurance status. This is particularly helpful for patients with high-deductible health plans who face large out-of-pocket expenses.

What documents do I need to apply?

Just two things: proof of identity (driver's license, passport, government ID, work/school ID, or birth certificate plus another ID like a gym or Costco card) and proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns). This is deliberately minimal compared to private hospital systems.

Am I owed a refund from a past visit?

Possibly. In 2024, Santa Clara Valley Healthcare notified 43,000 former patients that they may have been eligible for charity care or discounts they never received. If you paid out of pocket for care at any SCVH facility in recent years, call (866) 967-4677 to check if you are owed a refund.