Trinity Health Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
Trinity Health is one of the largest Catholic nonprofit health systems in the United States, operating 92 hospitals across 22 states. As a 501(r)-compliant nonprofit, Trinity Health is required to offer financial assistance to qualifying patients. Their "Trinity Cares" program provides free care for uninsured patients with household income at or below 200% FPL, and sliding-scale discounts for income up to 400% FPL. The policy covers all Trinity Health facilities, including brands like MercyOne, Loyola Medicine, Mount Carmel, Holy Cross Health, and more.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL (single: up to ~$31,920/yr) qualify for a full discount on medically necessary services
Sliding Scale to 400% FPL
Partial discounts for patients with income between 201-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Both insured and uninsured may qualify.
92 Hospitals, 22 States
One of the largest Catholic nonprofit systems in the U.S., with brands like MercyOne, Loyola Medicine, Mount Carmel, and more
240-Day Application Window
From the date care was provided. No extraordinary collection actions while a pending application is being reviewed.
Catastrophic Medical Expense Protection
Even if your income is above 400% FPL, you may qualify for a discount if your medical expenses for an episode of care exceed 20% of your household income.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | 100% Free Care (uninsured) |
| 201-250% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$39,900/yr | Significant discount (sliding scale) |
| 251-300% FPL | ~$39,901 - ~$47,880/yr | Moderate discount (sliding scale) |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | Partial discount (sliding scale) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (catastrophic exception or payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients with income at or below 400% FPL may be eligible.
- Uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL generally qualify for 100% free care on medically necessary services.
- Insured patients may receive help with out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copays, coinsurance).
- Catastrophic medical expenses: If your medical costs exceed 20% of household income, you may qualify regardless of income level.
- Apply within 240 days of the date care was provided.
- Eligibility thresholds may vary slightly by facility. Contact your local hospital for specifics.
- Trinity Health will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
Trinity Health Brands by State
Trinity Health operates under several regional brand names. The financial assistance policy applies across the entire system, though specific thresholds may vary by facility. Below are major brands and their locations.
Midwest
East Coast
West & South
Trinity Health operates across 22 states with 92 hospitals and 120+ continuing care locations. This is not an exhaustive list. Visit trinity-health.org/locations for all facilities.
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Get Help with Your BillDocuments You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income documentation
- Income information for all household members
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of household size
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Medical bills or account numbers
- Documentation of qualifying medical expenses (for catastrophic claims)
Important: Incomplete applications may be denied or delayed. Make sure every required field is completed and include all supporting documents before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Free care for uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts for 201-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Insured patients at or below 400% FPL may also qualify for help with out-of-pocket costs.
Contact Financial Counseling
Call Trinity Health Customer Service at 1-877-313-1191 or contact the financial counselor at your local Trinity Health hospital. They can help determine which assistance options fit your situation.
Complete the Application
Download the "Trinity Cares" Financial Assistance Application from trinityhealth.org, pick one up at any Trinity Health facility, or request one by calling 1-877-313-1191. Fill out all fields completely.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- In person: Financial counseling office at any Trinity Health hospital
- Mail: Send to the address provided on your facility's application form
- Online: Some facilities accept applications through their patient portal
Follow Up
Call 1-877-313-1191 or your local facility to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of the date care was provided.
- Incomplete application: Missing fields or documentation can lead to denial. Double-check before submitting.
- Wrong facility: Submit your application to the correct Trinity Health facility where you received care. Each regional brand may have a different mailing address.
- Skipping Medicaid screening: Uninsured patients may be required to apply for Medicaid or other government programs before FA eligibility is determined.
- Assuming one policy fits all: While Trinity Health has a system-wide policy, specific discount percentages and thresholds can vary by facility. Confirm details with your local hospital.
Payment Plans
Short-Term Interest-Free Plans
Trinity Health offers short-term payment plans with no interest charges. Depending on your facility, balances typically must be paid within 90 days to one year. Contact your local billing office for terms.
Extended Plans via AccessOne
For larger balances, Trinity Health partners with AccessOne to offer no-interest and flexible low-interest extended payment plans. AccessOne plans are tailored to your financial situation and allow you to consolidate multiple Trinity Health bills into one monthly payment.
Before You Set Up a Payment Plan
- Always apply for financial assistance first. You may qualify for a discount that reduces your total balance.
- Request an itemized bill and review charges for errors before agreeing to a plan.
- Ask about the interest rate, total cost, and monthly payment amount before signing.
- Payment plans do not prevent you from also applying for financial assistance.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Understand the Reason
Call 1-877-313-1191 or your local financial counselor to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above the threshold, incomplete documentation, or missing the application deadline.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Make sure all fields are complete and all required documents are included.
3. Explore Other Options
- Catastrophic medical expenses: If your bills exceed 20% of household income, you may qualify even if your income is above 400% FPL
- Payment plans: Interest-free short-term or AccessOne extended plans
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or services you did not receive
- Medicaid: Check eligibility in your state (covers residents up to 138% FPL in expansion states)
- State programs: Many states have additional hospital assistance programs
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Trinity Health bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
System-Wide Customer Service
For billing questions, payment plans, and financial assistance
Online & In Person
Regional Contact Numbers
Each Trinity Health facility may have its own dedicated financial counseling line. Check your billing statement or the facility's website for the most direct number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Trinity Health financial assistance?
Uninsured patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) qualify for 100% free care on medically necessary services. Patients with income between 201-400% FPL may receive partial discounts on a sliding scale. Insured patients at or below 400% FPL may also qualify for help with out-of-pocket costs.
Does the policy apply to all Trinity Health hospitals?
Yes. The financial assistance policy applies system-wide across all 92 Trinity Health hospitals in 22 states, including MercyOne, Loyola Medicine, Mount Carmel, Holy Cross Health, St. Alphonsus, and other brands. Specific discount percentages and thresholds may vary slightly by facility.
Does Trinity Health cover insured patients?
Yes. Insured patients with household income at or below 400% FPL may qualify for help with out-of-pocket costs including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after insurance pays its portion.
What if my income is above 400% FPL but I have huge bills?
Trinity Health offers a catastrophic medical expense exception. If your medical expenses for an episode of care exceed 20% of your household income, you may qualify for a discount regardless of your income level. Contact financial counseling at 1-877-313-1191 to discuss.
Does Trinity Health offer interest-free payment plans?
Yes. Short-term payment plans are interest-free (typically 90 days to one year depending on the facility). For longer terms, Trinity Health partners with AccessOne to offer no-interest and flexible low-interest extended payment plans.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 240 days from the date care was provided to submit a complete application. Trinity Health will not initiate extraordinary collection actions while a pending application is being reviewed. Apply as soon as possible to avoid any complications.
Need Help with Your Trinity Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Trinity Health on your behalf. 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 Trinity Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change and can vary by facility. Always verify current requirements directly with your local Trinity Health hospital or call 1-877-313-1191.