UC Davis Health Financial Assistance: Income Limits and How to Apply (2026)

UC Davis Health offers 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $132,000 a year for a family of four). Here is who qualifies, what you need, and how to apply.

Updated June 2026

UC Davis Health Income Limits for Free Care

Your eligibility is based on household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. Free care applies at or below 400% FPL.

Household size	Free care if income is at or below (400% FPL)
1 person	$63,840
2 people	$86,560
3 people	$109,280
4 people	$132,000
5 people	$154,720
6 people	$177,440

Income figures use 2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines and are rounded. Actual eligibility depends on the hospital's review of your application.

What UC Davis Health Offers

Free care

100% of the bill at or below 400% FPL. 100% charity care for eligible patients at or below 400% FPL (California AB 1020). The first $10,000 of liquid assets is excluded from means testing.

Uninsured discount

a self-pay discount of up to 60% off hospital charges, set to the average commercial rate.

Hardship / catastrophic

Insured patients at or below 400% FPL whose out-of-pocket medical costs exceeded 10% of family income in the prior year receive 100% charity care.

How to Apply for UC Davis Health Financial Assistance

1
Request an itemized bill
Ask for a fully itemized bill so you can confirm every charge before you apply or pay.
2
Gather your documents
Collect proof of income, proof of household size, government-issued photo id.
3
Submit the UC Davis Health application
Recent pay stubs or tax returns, a photo ID, and proof of California residency; financial assistance 916-734-9077.
4
Ask for a billing hold
Request a hold on collections activity while your application is reviewed, so the account does not advance.
5
Get the decision in writing
Keep the approval or denial in writing. You generally have about 240 days from your billing date to apply. If you are denied, you can appeal or request an interest-free payment plan. In California, you can also ask for the decision to be reviewed by the hospital's business manager, CFO, or other designated manager (Health and Safety Code 127405), not just the billing clerk.

What you will need

Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefit award letters)
Proof of household size (tax return listing dependents, or similar)
Government-issued photo ID

Deadline: about 240 days from billing.

Residency: California residency..

Citizenship: not required.

Before you pay, know this

Applying for financial assistance does not affect your credit.
Many hospitals grant presumptive eligibility if you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, or similar programs, which can speed approval.
You can often apply even after a bill goes to collections, and assistance is frequently applied retroactively. Do not assume it is too late.
If you are denied, you can appeal or ask for an interest-free payment plan.

Not sure you qualify? You may still be able to save.

Charity care is only one way to lower a hospital bill. CareRoute Bill Defense works every angle on your UC Davis Health bill: billing errors, insurance underpayments and denied claims, financial assistance, and direct negotiation with the hospital. So even if you do not qualify for free care, there is often money to save. You pay nothing upfront and only a fraction of what we save you (capped at $1,000). If we cannot lower your bill, you owe nothing.

Get help with your bill

California also has medical-bill protections that may help beyond UC Davis Health's own program, such as limits on collections, credit reporting, and wage garnishment.

See all California medical bill rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Does UC Davis Health offer financial assistance or charity care?

Yes. UC Davis Health provides 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Uninsured patients also receive a self-pay discount of up to 60% off hospital charges, set to the average commercial rate.

What is the income limit for free care at UC Davis Health?

Free care is available at or below 400% FPL. For a family of four in 2026 that is about $132,000 per year. See the income table above for other household sizes.

How do I apply for UC Davis Health financial assistance?

Request an itemized bill, gather your income documents and a photo ID, then submit the hospital's financial assistance application. Recent pay stubs or tax returns, a photo ID, and proof of California residency; financial assistance 916-734-9077. You generally have about 240 days from your billing date to apply.

Can insured patients qualify for financial assistance at UC Davis Health?

Yes. The balance left after your insurance pays can still qualify for charity care or a discount if you meet the income limits above. One California-specific catch: state law (the Hospital Fair Pricing Act) also requires insured patients to have "high medical costs," defined as out-of-pocket medical costs above 10% of your family income. Uninsured patients qualify on income alone.

Does UC Davis Health help uninsured patients?

Yes. Uninsured patients can apply for charity care, and UC Davis Health also offers a self-pay discount of up to 60% off hospital charges, set to the average commercial rate. Uninsured patients often have the most to gain, since the full charge is on the table.

What if my bill is unaffordable even above the income limit?

UC Davis Health has a hardship provision. Insured patients at or below 400% FPL whose out-of-pocket medical costs exceeded 10% of family income in the prior year receive 100% charity care. It is worth applying even if your income is above the free-care line.

Can I apply for UC Davis Health financial assistance if my bill is already in collections?

You can usually still apply even after a bill goes to collections, and hospitals often apply approved assistance retroactively to recent accounts. Applying can also pause collection activity while the hospital reviews your case, so apply within about 240 days of your billing date.

Will applying for financial assistance affect my credit?

No. Applying for hospital financial assistance is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score. Getting a bill reduced or covered actually helps you avoid the collections and credit damage that come from an unpaid balance.

Does UC Davis Health require US citizenship or residency?

No. UC Davis Health does not require US citizenship, and immigration status does not bar eligibility. Residency note: California residency.

Can CareRoute help with a UC Davis Health bill?

Yes. CareRoute Bill Defense looks at every way to lower your bill, not just charity care: billing errors, insurance underpayments and denied claims, financial assistance, and direct negotiation. You pay nothing upfront and only a fraction of what we save you (capped at $1,000), with no fee at all if we cannot reduce your bill.

Sources and verification. Last verified June 2026, based on UC Davis Health's published financial assistance policy (official policy). How we research these guides.

Eligibility details may change. This page is informational and not financial or legal advice. Confirm current terms with UC Davis Health's financial assistance office before applying.