UCLA Health Financial Assistance: 100% Free Care at 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
UCLA Health offers 100% charity care (free care) for patients with household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The policy covers emergency and medically necessary care at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, and Mattel Children's Hospital. California law (SB 1276 and the Hospital Fair Pricing Act) provides additional protections, including limits on what hospitals can charge low-income patients. Applications are available in English, Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, and Chinese.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Charity Care
Patients at 0-400% FPL (single: up to ~$63,840/yr) receive a full 100% discount on emergency and medically necessary care
High Medical Cost Patients
Insured patients with high out-of-pocket costs at or below 400% FPL also qualify for 100% charity care on hospital-billed services
No Asset Test (201-350% FPL)
For patients between 201-350% FPL, no assets are considered. Eligibility is based solely on family income qualification.
Multiple Languages
Applications and policy documents available in English, Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, and Chinese. Interpreter services at 310-267-8001.
Medicare-Level Pricing Cap
If you receive financial assistance, you will not be charged more for emergency or medically necessary care than the amount generally billed to patients with Medicare fee-for-service coverage.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Assistance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | Charity Care: 100% Free |
| 201-350% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$55,860/yr | Charity Care: 100% Free (no asset test) |
| 351-400% FPL | ~$55,861 - ~$63,840/yr | Charity Care: 100% Free |
| 401-450% FPL | ~$63,841 - ~$71,820/yr | May qualify for partial discount |
| Above 450% FPL | Above ~$71,820/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both self-pay and high medical cost patients at or below 400% FPL are eligible for 100% charity care.
- For patients between 201-350% FPL, no assets are considered. Eligibility is based on income alone.
- Eligibility is based on family income and family size.
- Covers emergency and medically necessary care rendered and billed by the hospital.
- Uninsured patients should also be screened for Medi-Cal and Covered California.
- Eligible patients will not be charged more than the Medicare fee-for-service amount.
- Policy applies to services in hospital inpatient and outpatient departments.
California Patient Protections (SB 1276)
California has some of the strongest hospital billing protections in the country. Under the Hospital Fair Pricing Act and SB 1276, UCLA Health and all California hospitals must follow these rules:
Key California Protections
- Hospitals must offer charity care to patients at or below 400% FPL
- Hospitals must screen patients for Medi-Cal eligibility before billing
- Hospitals must notify patients about financial assistance policies before billing
- Eligible patients cannot be charged more than what the hospital would expect from Medicare or Medi-Cal (whichever is greater)
- Limits charges for uninsured patients to the amount paid by Medicare or Medi-Cal
- Hospitals must provide notice before extraordinary collection actions
- Patients can file complaints with the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
For more details on your rights as a California patient, see our California Medical Bill Rights guide.
Hospitals Covered
UCLA Health Hospitals
757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
1250 16th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
150 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Important Distinction: Hospital vs. Physician Services
UCLA Health's financial assistance policy applies to services furnished in hospital inpatient and outpatient departments and billed by the hospitals. Physician services may be billed separately. Contact the Physicians' Billing Office at 310-301-8860 for physician-specific financial assistance.
UCLA Health also operates numerous outpatient clinics across Los Angeles. Contact Patient Business Services to confirm coverage for your specific location and service type.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal tax return
- Recent pay stubs (within 6 months of billing date)
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income records, if applicable
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Proof of household size
- Assets and liabilities documentation
- Hospital bills or account numbers
Multilingual Support: The Financial Assistance Policy, Application, and Plain Language Summary are available in English, Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, and Chinese. Call Interpreter Services at 310-267-8001 if you need language assistance.
Important: The application must be completed, signed, and dated. Incomplete or unsigned applications may be denied. Make sure every required field is filled out before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free charity care for patients at 0-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) on emergency and medically necessary care. Both self-pay and high medical cost patients are eligible.
Contact Patient Business Services
Call 310-825-8021 (Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm). Financial counselors in the Admitting Department can also help with initial screening during your hospital visit.
Complete the Application
Download the Financial Assistance Application from uclahealth.org or request one by phone. Fill out completely with your household income, family size, and insurance information. Available in five languages.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail or In Person: Patient Business Services, 10920 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90024
- At the Hospital: Financial counselors in the Admitting Department can accept applications
Follow Up
Call 310-825-8021 to confirm receipt and check your application status. Keep copies of everything you submit. Charity care screening and means testing is performed by financial counselors.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Incomplete application: Unsigned or incomplete applications may be denied. Double-check before submitting.
- Not screening for Medi-Cal: Uninsured patients should be screened for Medi-Cal and Covered California before or during the FA process. UCLA Health is required to screen you.
- Ignoring your bill: Do not wait. Contact UCLA Health early if you cannot pay. The sooner you apply, the better.
- Confusing hospital vs. physician bills: UCLA Health hospital services and physician services have separate billing offices. Make sure you apply with the correct office.
- Not knowing your rights: California law protects you. Hospitals must offer charity care at 400% FPL and must limit charges for eligible patients.
Struggling with a UCLA Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your UCLA Health medical bills, verify you are being charged correctly under California law, and negotiate on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillPayment Plans
If you do not qualify for full charity care, or if you have a remaining balance after financial assistance is applied, UCLA Health offers payment plan options:
- Payment plans are available for qualifying patients
- Payment amounts are based on your financial situation
- Contact Patient Business Services at 310-825-8021 to arrange a payment plan
- For physician bills, contact the Physicians' Billing Office at 310-301-8860
Do not ignore your bill even if you plan to apply for financial assistance. Contact UCLA Health to let them know you are applying, which can help pause collection activity on your account.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Patient Business Services
Call 310-825-8021 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above the threshold, incomplete documentation, or an unsigned application.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Make sure it is signed, dated, and fully filled out.
3. File a Complaint with California HCAI
If you believe UCLA Health is not following California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act or SB 1276, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). HCAI has enforcement authority over hospital financial assistance policies.
4. Explore Other Options
- Medi-Cal: California's Medicaid program covers residents up to 138% FPL (and higher for some groups)
- Covered California: Marketplace insurance with subsidies for low and moderate income residents
- Payment plans: UCLA Health offers financing for remaining balances
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or services you did not receive
- Negotiate directly: Even without FA eligibility, you may be able to negotiate a reduced amount
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your UCLA Health bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Business Services (Hospital Bills)
Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Physicians' Billing Office
Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Interpreter Services
Language assistance for financial assistance applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for UCLA Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single) qualify for 100% charity care on emergency and medically necessary services. Both self-pay patients and high medical cost insured patients are eligible. For patients between 201-350% FPL, no assets are considered.
What services are covered by UCLA Health charity care?
The policy covers emergency and medically necessary care rendered and billed by UCLA Health hospitals (inpatient and outpatient departments). This includes Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, Mattel Children's Hospital, and Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. Physician services billed separately have their own financial assistance process.
Does UCLA Health consider my assets when determining eligibility?
For patients with income between 201-350% FPL, no assets are considered. Eligibility is based entirely on family income qualification. For other income levels, UCLA Health may review assets and liabilities as part of the application, but California law limits how assets can be used in eligibility determinations.
Does California law require UCLA Health to offer charity care?
Yes. Under California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act (including SB 1276), all hospitals in California must offer charity care to patients at or below 400% FPL. Eligible patients cannot be charged more than the hospital would expect from Medicare or Medi-Cal. UCLA Health must also screen patients for Medi-Cal eligibility and notify patients about financial assistance before billing.
What is the difference between hospital bills and physician bills at UCLA?
UCLA Health hospital services (facility fees, room charges, supplies) are billed by the hospital and covered by the hospital financial assistance policy. Physician services (doctor fees) may be billed separately by the UCLA Physicians' Billing Office. You may need to apply to both offices separately. Hospital bills: call 310-825-8021. Physician bills: call 310-301-8860.
Can I get help in a language other than English?
Yes. UCLA Health provides the Financial Assistance Policy, Application, and Plain Language Summary in English, Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, and Chinese. For additional language assistance, contact the Interpreter Services Program at 310-267-8001.
Need Help with Your UCLA Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with UCLA Health on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Start Your Free Case ReviewRelated Resources
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available UCLA Health financial assistance policies (Policy HS 5310) and California state law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with UCLA Health Patient Business Services at 310-825-8021 or visit uclahealth.org.