Texas Health Resources Financial Assistance (Charity Care): Complete 2026 Guide
Comprehensive guide to Texas Health Resources Financial Assistance Program (all 29+ locations), including eligibility requirements, income limits, required documents, and step-by-step application instructions for free or discounted hospital care.
Our Bill Defense team can apply for financial assistance on your behalf, follow up with the hospital, provide any additional documentation they request, and find other ways to reduce your bill (billing errors, insurance disputes, negotiation). You pay $0 unless we save you money.
Quick Facts
Financial Assistance
Generally available up to 250% Federal Poverty Level
Sliding Scale Available
Above 250% FPL based on income & bills
29+ Hospitals
Across 18 North Texas counties
800-890-6034
Customer Service
Covered Texas Health Hospital Locations
This financial assistance program applies to all Texas Health Resources hospitals across North Texas, including:
Note: All Texas Health Resources hospitals follow the same financial assistance policy. The system serves over 7 million residents across 18 North Texas counties including Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2025 Federal Poverty Level)
| Income Level | Family of 1 | Family of 2 | Family of 3 | Family of 4 | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250% FPL or below | Up to $39,125 | Up to $52,875 | Up to $66,625 | Up to $80,375 | 100% Free* |
| Above 250% FPL | Above $39,125 | Above $52,875 | Above $66,625 | Above $80,375 | Sliding Scale** |
2025 Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Add $5,500 for each additional family member.
Important Notes:
- • *Some Texas Health facilities may use 200% FPL threshold - contact your specific hospital
- • **Sliding scale assistance considers income, family size, and balance of Texas Health bills
- • Financial assistance applies to emergency and medically necessary services
- • In some cases, you may receive automatic assistance without applying
Additional Ways to Qualify
Insured & Underinsured Patients
You may still qualify even if you have insurance. If your benefits are exhausted, services are not covered, or your remaining out-of-pocket costs are unaffordable, you can apply for assistance on the remaining balance.
240-Day Application Window
Under federal 501(r) rules, you have 240 days from your first billing statement to apply for financial assistance. Texas Health must consider applications submitted within this window, even if the account has already been sent to collections.
Automatic Eligibility
In some cases, Texas Health may automatically apply financial assistance based on available information, without requiring a formal application. Ask Customer Service if this applies to your account.
Required Documents Checklist
Income Verification (Required)
- Recent pay stubs (last 2-3 months) OR
- Most recent W-2 forms OR
- Prior year tax return (all pages)
- Unemployment/disability benefits statement (if applicable)
Asset Documentation
- Bank statements (all accounts)
- Investment account statements (if applicable)
Identification & Household
- Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Social Security information
- Proof of household size (birth certificates, tax forms)
Tip: Applying online is the fastest method. Have all documents ready before starting your application.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Review the income table above. If your income is at or below 250% FPL, you may qualify for financial assistance. Higher incomes may still qualify for sliding scale assistance.
5 minutes
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents from the checklist. Having everything ready speeds up approval.
15 minutes
Choose Application Method
Online (fastest), by phone, in person at any Texas Health hospital, or at the Arlington office.
2 minutes
Complete Application
Fill out all sections completely. Include all household members and all income sources. Sign and date.
20 minutes
Submit Your Application
Submit online, in person, by mail, or over the phone with all supporting documents.
5 minutes
Follow Up
Call Customer Service to check status. Be ready to provide additional documents if requested.
Ongoing
Good News: You can ask for help with your bill at any time during your hospital stay or billing process. In some cases, Texas Health may automatically apply assistance without requiring an application.
Processing Times & Next Steps
What to Expect
- Application Review:Texas Health reviews income, assets, and other resources
- Processing Time:Varies based on completeness of application
- Decision Notice:You'll receive notification of approval or denial
Check Your Status
Call: 800-890-6034
Customer Service Department
Have ready: Account number, patient name, date of birth
If You Don't Qualify or Need More Help
- • Ask about sliding scale discounts for income above 200% FPL
- • Request information about payment plans
- • Inquire about prompt pay discounts
- • Consider professional bill negotiation services if needed
Denied or need more help? If your financial assistance application is denied, or your bill has other issues beyond charity care (billing errors, insurance underpayment),CareRoute's Bill Defense team can appeal the denial, identify additional savings, and handle all communications with the hospital on your behalf.
Tips for Success
✓ Apply Early
Don't wait until bills go to collections. Apply as soon as you receive care or your first bill.
✓ Complete All Sections
Incomplete applications delay processing. Fill out everything, even if you think it doesn't apply.
✓ Include All Income
List every income source for all household members to ensure accurate evaluation.
✓ Online is Fastest
The online application is the quickest and most convenient method for Texas Health.
✓ Keep Copies
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Keep records of all communications.
Collections Policy
Collection Practices
Texas Health Resources (THR) does not appear in major investigative reports on aggressive hospital debt collection in Texas. THR's policy states that external collection agency activities will not begin prior to 120 days after patient liability is established. THR uses independent third-party vendors to screen patients for financial assistance eligibility before collections begin.
Texas Wage Garnishment Ban
Texas is one of only five states that bans wage garnishment for medical debt entirely. Only child support, spousal support, federal student loans, and tax debts can trigger garnishment. Texas also has strong homestead protections that prevent liens on a primary residence for medical debt. However, after obtaining a court judgment, a creditor can potentially freeze and seize bank account funds.
IRS 501(r) Protections
As a nonprofit system, THR must notify you about financial assistance at least 120 days before any extraordinary collection action and accept applications for at least 240 days after the first billing statement. A 30-day written warning is required before any specific ECA. All ECAs must stop while a pending application is being reviewed.
Texas Credit Reporting
Texas has no state-level medical debt credit reporting ban. The three major credit bureaus voluntarily removed paid medical collections and collections under $500 starting in 2023, and there is a 1-year waiting period before unpaid medical collections can appear on credit reports. Medical debt over $500 can still appear after that period.
Already in collections? Read our full 7-step collections playbook for strategies to resolve medical debt, dispute errors, and negotiate settlements.
Contacts & Official Links
Customer Service
Mon-Fri, Business Hours
General Information
In-Person Application
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Texas Health Resources financial assistance?
Can I apply for financial assistance after receiving my bill?
Which Texas Health hospitals does this apply to?
What if I don't have all the required documents?
How is the sliding scale discount calculated?
Next Steps
Related Resources:
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Eligibility requirements and processes may change. Always confirm current policies directly with Texas Health Resources.CareRoute is not affiliated with Texas Health Resources or THR.