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

UC Health offers 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $49,500 a year for a family of four) and discounted care up to 400% FPL. Here is who qualifies, what you need, and how to apply.

Updated June 2026

UC 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 150% FPL; discounted care applies up to 400% FPL.

Household size	Free care if income is at or below (150% FPL)	Discounted care up to (400% FPL)
1 person	$23,940	$63,840
2 people	$32,460	$86,560
3 people	$40,980	$109,280
4 people	$49,500	$132,000
5 people	$58,020	$154,720
6 people	$66,540	$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 Health Offers

Free care

100% of the bill at or below 150% FPL. 100% free care at or below 150% FPL; an 80% discount from 150-300% FPL and 75% from 300-400% FPL.

Discounted care

Up to 400% FPL, as a sliding-scale discount.

Uninsured discount

an automatic 40% discount for self-pay/uninsured patients.

Hardship / catastrophic

Case-by-case relief when a balance exceeds $20,000 with no assets, or medical bills exceed 30% of gross annual income.

How to Apply for UC 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 Health application
Application plus proof of income (3 months of pay stubs or benefit letters; tax returns and W-2s are not accepted), Ohio/Hamilton County residency, and a photo ID; financial assistance 513-585-6200. Covers UC Medical Center, West Chester Hospital, and Daniel Drake Center.
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. If you are denied, you can appeal or request an interest-free payment plan.

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: confirm with the FA office.

Residency: Ohio resident (Hamilton County for some programs)..

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 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

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

See all Ohio medical bill rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Does UC Health offer financial assistance or charity care?

Yes. UC Health provides 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus discounted care up to 400% FPL (a sliding-scale discount). Uninsured patients also receive an automatic 40% discount for self-pay/uninsured patients.

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

Free care is available at or below 150% FPL. For a family of four in 2026 that is about $49,500 per year. See the income table above for other household sizes. Income above that may still qualify for discounted care up to 400% FPL.

How do I apply for UC Health financial assistance?

Request an itemized bill, gather your income documents and a photo ID, then submit the hospital's financial assistance application. Application plus proof of income (3 months of pay stubs or benefit letters; tax returns and W-2s are not accepted), Ohio/Hamilton County residency, and a photo ID; financial assistance 513-585-6200. Covers UC Medical Center, West Chester Hospital, and Daniel Drake Center. Ask the billing or financial counseling office about the deadline to apply.

Can insured patients qualify for financial assistance at UC 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. Some states and hospitals also ask insured patients to show high out-of-pocket costs, so confirm the exact rule with UC Health.

Does UC Health help uninsured patients?

Yes. Uninsured patients can apply for charity care, and UC Health also offers an automatic 40% discount for self-pay/uninsured patients. 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 Health has a hardship provision. Case-by-case relief when a balance exceeds $20,000 with no assets, or medical bills exceed 30% of gross annual income. It is worth applying even if your income is above the free-care line.

Can I apply for UC 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.

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 Health require US citizenship or residency?

No. UC Health does not require US citizenship, and immigration status does not bar eligibility. Residency note: Ohio resident (Hamilton County for some programs).

Can CareRoute help with a UC 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 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 Health's financial assistance office before applying.