UC San Diego Health Financial Assistance: 100% Free Care at 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
UC San Diego Health is the only academic medical center in San Diego and part of the University of California hospital system. As a California nonprofit hospital, UCSD Health offers 100% free charity care for patients with household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. This is more generous than San Diego competitors Scripps Health and Sharp HealthCare, which both cap free care at 350% FPL. The policy covers UC San Diego Medical Center (Hillcrest), Jacobs Medical Center (La Jolla), Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, and Moores Cancer Center.
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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
Only Academic Medical Center in San Diego
UC system hospital offering specialized care including NCI-designated Moores Cancer Center and Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center
No Asset Test (201-350% FPL)
California law prohibits considering monetary assets for patients between 201-350% FPL. Eligibility is based solely on income.
More Generous Than Competitors
UCSD Health covers patients to 400% FPL, compared to 350% FPL at both Scripps Health and Sharp HealthCare in San Diego
Medicare-Level Pricing Cap
Under California law, 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 or Medi-Cal coverage (whichever is greater).
Eligibility and 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 |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both uninsured and insured patients with high out-of-pocket costs at or below 400% FPL are eligible for 100% charity care.
- For patients between 201-350% FPL, no monetary assets are considered. This is a California law protection, not just hospital policy.
- 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 or Medi-Cal rate (whichever is greater).
California Patient Protections (AB 1020 and SB 1276)
California has some of the strongest hospital billing protections in the country. These laws apply to UC San Diego Health and every other nonprofit hospital in the state:
Key California Protections
- AB 1020: Requires free care for patients at or below 400% FPL and price caps at Medicare/Medi-Cal rates
- SB 1276: Prohibits extraordinary collection actions (wage garnishment, liens, lawsuits) against patients eligible for financial assistance
- Hospitals cannot consider monetary assets for patients between 201-350% FPL
- Hospitals must screen patients for Medi-Cal eligibility before billing
- Hospitals must notify patients about financial assistance policies before billing
- Uninsured patients cannot be charged more than the Medicare or Medi-Cal rate
- Patients can file complaints with the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
What This Means for UCSD Health Patients
If you receive a bill from UC San Diego Health and your income is at or below 400% FPL, the hospital is legally required to provide free care. They cannot send your account to collections or take legal action against you while your application is pending or if you are eligible. If they do, you can file a complaint with HCAI.
For more details on your rights as a California patient, see our California Medical Bill Rights guide.
San Diego Hospital Comparison (Key Insight)
If you received care in San Diego and have a choice of where to seek treatment, the financial assistance threshold matters significantly. UC San Diego Health offers the most generous income threshold among major San Diego hospital systems.
| Hospital System | Free Care Threshold | Single Income Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| UC San Diego Health | 400% FPL | ~$63,840/yr |
| Scripps Health | 350% FPL | ~$55,860/yr |
| Sharp HealthCare | 350% FPL | ~$55,860/yr |
Why this matters: If your income falls between 350-400% FPL (roughly $55,860 to $63,840 for a single person), you would qualify for 100% free care at UCSD Health but not at Scripps or Sharp. For a family of four, this gap covers incomes between approximately $114,800 and $131,200 per year. If you have existing bills at Scripps or Sharp and were denied, consider whether you have any UCSD Health bills that might qualify.
Hospitals and Facilities Covered
UC San Diego Health Hospitals
200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103
Full-service hospital, Level I Trauma Center, emergency department
9300 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
Advanced surgery, transplant, cancer, and specialty care
9434 Medical Center Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
Specialized heart and vascular care
3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Important: Hospital vs. Physician Services
UC San Diego 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 by UC San Diego Health physician groups. Contact Patient Financial Services to understand which bills are covered and how to apply for physician-side assistance if needed.
Cancer Patients: Special Consideration
Moores Cancer Center is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only a few in California. Cancer treatment often generates very large bills across multiple visits. If you are receiving cancer care at Moores, apply for financial assistance early, even before treatment begins if possible. A single course of chemotherapy or radiation can quickly exceed $100,000 in charges, making the 400% FPL threshold especially valuable.
UC San Diego Health also operates numerous outpatient clinics across San Diego County. Contact Patient Financial 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
- Statement of no income, if applicable
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Proof of household size
- Hospital bills or account numbers
- Assets and liabilities documentation (not required for 201-350% FPL)
201-350% FPL Patients: California law prohibits UCSD Health from considering your monetary assets. If you are in this income range, you do not need to provide bank statements, investment records, or other asset documentation. Your eligibility depends on income alone.
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, ~$131,200/yr family of 4) on emergency and medically necessary care. Both uninsured and insured patients with high out-of-pocket costs are eligible.
Contact Patient Financial Services
Call 619-657-7000 to speak with a financial counselor. You can also visit the financial counseling office at UC San Diego Medical Center (Hillcrest) or Jacobs Medical Center (La Jolla). Financial counselors can help determine eligibility and screen you for Medi-Cal.
Complete the Application
Download the Financial Assistance Application from health.ucsd.edu or request one by phone. Fill out completely with your household income, family size, and insurance information.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail: UC San Diego Health Patient Financial Services, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103
- In Person: Financial counseling offices at any UCSD Health facility
Follow Up
Call 619-657-7000 to confirm receipt and check your application status. Keep copies of everything you submit. If approved, the charity care discount will be applied to your eligible bills retroactively.
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. UCSD Health is required to screen you.
- Ignoring your bill: Do not wait. Contact UCSD Health early if you cannot pay. Applying sooner can help pause collection activity.
- Confusing hospital vs. physician bills: Hospital services and physician services may have separate billing. Make sure you apply with the correct office.
- Providing asset info unnecessarily: If your income is 201-350% FPL, you do not need to provide monetary asset documentation. California law protects you.
Struggling with a UC San Diego Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your UCSD Health medical bills, verify you are being charged correctly under California law, and help you navigate the financial assistance process.
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, UC San Diego Health offers payment plan options:
- Payment plans are available for qualifying patients
- Payment amounts are based on your financial situation
- Contact Patient Financial Services at 619-657-7000 to arrange a payment plan
- Under California law, payment plans for FA-eligible patients must be reasonable and based on ability to pay
Do not ignore your bill even if you plan to apply for financial assistance. Contact UCSD Health to let them know you are applying, which can help pause collection activity on your account.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Request a Written Explanation
Call 619-657-7000 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above the threshold, incomplete documentation, or an unsigned application. Ask for the specific reason in writing.
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. If you were denied because of assets and your income is 201-350% FPL, cite California law prohibiting asset consideration in this range.
3. File a Complaint with California HCAI
If you believe UC San Diego Health is not following California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act, AB 1020, 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. As a UC system hospital, UCSD Health is also subject to UC Regents oversight.
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: UCSD Health offers financing for remaining balances
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors or services you did not receive
- SB 1276 protections: Even if denied full charity care, the hospital cannot take extraordinary collection actions against you while your application or appeal is pending
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help navigating your UCSD Health bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and help you build a stronger appeal.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Financial Services
Jacobs Medical Center (La Jolla)
Financial counseling available on site
Official Policy Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for UC San Diego Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single, ~$131,200/yr family of 4) qualify for 100% free charity care on emergency and medically necessary services. Both uninsured and insured patients with high out-of-pocket costs are eligible. For patients between 201-350% FPL, no assets are considered.
How does UCSD Health compare to other San Diego hospitals?
UC San Diego Health offers free care at 400% FPL, which is more generous than Scripps Health (350% FPL) and Sharp HealthCare (350% FPL). For a single person, the difference means those earning $55,860 to $63,840 qualify at UCSD but not at Scripps or Sharp. This is because UCSD Health, as a UC system hospital, follows California AB 1020 at the maximum threshold.
Does California law require UCSD Health to offer charity care?
Yes. Under California AB 1020 and the Hospital Fair Pricing Act, all nonprofit hospitals must offer free care at 400% FPL. SB 1276 prohibits extraordinary collection actions against eligible patients. These are state laws, not just hospital policies, so they are enforceable through HCAI complaints.
Is Moores Cancer Center covered?
Yes. Moores Cancer Center is part of UC San Diego Health and covered by the same financial assistance policy. As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, it provides specialized oncology care that can generate large bills. Apply for financial assistance early if you are beginning cancer treatment.
Does UCSD Health consider my assets?
For patients with income between 201-350% FPL, California law prohibits considering monetary assets. Eligibility is based entirely on family income. For other income levels, assets and liabilities may be reviewed, but California law limits how assets can factor into eligibility determinations.
Can UCSD Health send me to collections if I am eligible for financial assistance?
No. Under California SB 1276, hospitals are prohibited from taking extraordinary collection actions (wage garnishment, liens, lawsuits, adverse credit reporting) against patients who are eligible for financial assistance. If UCSD Health sends you to collections while you have a pending application or are income-eligible, file a complaint with HCAI.
What is the difference between hospital and physician bills at UCSD Health?
Hospital services (facility fees, room charges, supplies, nursing) are billed by UC San Diego Health and covered by the hospital financial assistance policy. Physician services (doctor fees) may be billed separately. You may need to apply to both offices. Contact Patient Financial Services at 619-657-7000 for guidance on both types of bills.
Is UC San Diego Health the same as the VA Medical Center in La Jolla?
No. The VA San Diego Healthcare System is a separate federal facility operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. UC San Diego Health is part of the University of California system and serves the general public. They are located near each other in La Jolla but have completely separate billing and financial assistance programs.
Need Help with Your UC San Diego Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and help you navigate the financial assistance process at UCSD Health.
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 UC San Diego Health financial assistance policies and California state law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with UC San Diego Health Patient Financial Services at 619-657-7000 or visit health.ucsd.edu.