UCSF Health Financial Assistance: Free Care and Discount Programs (2026 Guide)
UCSF Health provides tiered financial assistance to patients who cannot afford their medical bills. Uninsured patients with family income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for 100% free care, with partial discounts available up to 400% FPL. This policy covers UCSF Medical Center, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco, and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland. As one of the top academic medical centers in the country, UCSF is committed to providing charity care under California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act (SB 1276). Under California law, hospitals cannot consider your monetary assets when determining eligibility.
Jump to Section
Quick Facts
100% Free Care (0-200% FPL)
Uninsured patients at or below 200% FPL (~$31,200/yr single) receive a complete waiver of all charges for emergency and medically necessary services
Partial Discount (201-350% FPL)
Uninsured patients at 201-350% FPL qualify for a partial charity care discount, with no asset test applied at this tier
50% Discount (351-400% FPL)
Uninsured patients at 351-400% FPL (~$62,400/yr single) receive a 50% discount on remaining billed charges
No Asset Test (CA Law)
As of 2025, California law prohibits hospitals from considering monetary assets when determining eligibility. Only income matters.
Multiple Facilities Covered
This policy covers UCSF Medical Center (Parnassus and Mission Bay), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco, and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland. One application covers all locations.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL (Uninsured) | Up to ~$31,200/yr | 100% Free Care (Charity Care) |
| 201-350% FPL (Uninsured) | ~$31,201 to ~$54,600/yr | Partial Charity Care Discount |
| 351-400% FPL (Uninsured) | ~$54,601 to ~$62,400/yr | 50% Discount on Billed Charges |
| Above 400% FPL (Uninsured) | Above ~$62,400/yr | Self-pay discount available (CA law) |
| Above 400% FPL (Insured) | Above ~$62,400/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Patient must require emergent or medically necessary care and reside in UCSF's primary service area.
- Patient must be uninsured, ineligible for third-party assistance, or have high medical costs.
- For 201-350% FPL, no assets are considered in the charity care determination.
- No asset test. As of January 1, 2025, California law prohibits hospitals from considering monetary assets at any income level.
- All uninsured patients automatically receive a self-pay discount, regardless of income.
- UCSF must screen patients for Medi-Cal eligibility before billing.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
California Patient Protections
California has some of the strongest hospital billing protections in the nation. These laws apply to UCSF Health and every other California hospital.
No Asset Test (AB 2297 / SB 1061, effective Jan 1, 2025)
Hospitals are now prohibited from considering monetary assets when determining financial assistance eligibility. Only income matters. This is a major change from prior law, which allowed hospitals to count assets above $10,000.
Medical Debt Cannot Appear on Credit Reports (effective Jan 1, 2025)
Any medical debt reported to a consumer credit agency becomes void and unenforceable under California law. If UCSF or a collector reports your medical debt, the debt itself is voided.
Hospital Fair Pricing Act (AB 1020 / SB 1276)
- Hospitals must screen patients for Medi-Cal eligibility before billing
- Uninsured patients cannot be charged more than the highest amount paid by Medicare or Medi-Cal
- Patients under 400% FPL must be offered charity care
- Hospitals must notify patients about financial assistance before sending bills to collections
Medi-Cal Expansion
California expanded Medi-Cal to cover residents up to 138% FPL regardless of immigration status. If you qualify, Medi-Cal may cover your UCSF bills entirely. UCSF is required to help you apply.
Healthy San Francisco
San Francisco residents aged 18 and older who are uninsured and not eligible for Medi-Cal may qualify for Healthy San Francisco, which provides access to medical services at UCSF and other city health programs. Ask UCSF about enrollment if you live in San Francisco.
For a full breakdown of your rights, see our California Medical Bill Rights Guide.
Overwhelmed by a UCSF Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your itemized bill, identify overcharges, and negotiate directly with UCSF on your behalf. No upfront cost, and we only get paid if we save you money.
Get Help with Your UCSF BillUCSF Health Locations Covered
UCSF Medical Center
505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143
1975 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
1825 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
Multiple San Francisco Bay Area locations
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
1975 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
747 52nd Street, Oakland, CA 94609
Multiple Bay Area locations
The financial assistance policy covers all UCSF Health facilities listed above. One application covers all locations.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (prior 12 months preferred)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income documentation
- Income for all household members
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Proof of residency in UCSF service area
- Documentation of Medi-Cal or other program denial (if applicable)
- Medical bills from other providers (if claiming high medical costs)
Remember: Under California law, UCSF cannot ask for or consider your bank account balances, savings, investments, or other monetary assets. Only income matters for eligibility.
Important: Incomplete applications cause delays. Make sure every field is filled out and all income documentation is included before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL (~$31,200/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Patients at 201-350% FPL qualify for partial discounts. Patients at 351-400% FPL receive 50% off. No asset test under California law.
Contact Patient Financial Services
Call (866) 433-4035 or (415) 353-2987. UCSF is required to evaluate any patient who indicates an inability to pay. You can also start the process through UCSF MyChart.
Complete the Application
Download the application from ucsfhealth.org, request one by phone, or complete it through UCSF MyChart. Include income verification for all household members. The application is available in multiple languages.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- UCSF MyChart: Upload directly through your patient portal
- Mail: UCSF Health, Patient Financial Services, Box 0250, San Francisco, CA 94143
- In person: Financial counseling at any UCSF Health facility
- Phone: Call (866) 433-4035 for assistance completing and submitting
Follow Up
Call (866) 433-4035 to confirm receipt and check your application status. Keep copies of everything you submit. Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Missing income docs cause delays. Include verification for all household members.
- Paying first, asking later: Apply for financial assistance before making any payments. Once you pay, it is harder to get a refund.
- Not checking Medi-Cal: UCSF must screen you for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, Medi-Cal may cover everything with no cost to you.
- Ignoring Healthy San Francisco: If you are a San Francisco resident and uninsured, you may qualify for Healthy San Francisco coverage.
Payment Plans
If you do not qualify for financial assistance (or have a remaining balance after assistance), UCSF Health offers payment plans under California SB 1276 requirements.
- Interest-free payment plans are available for qualifying patients.
- If UCSF and the patient cannot agree on a payment plan, UCSF must create a Reasonable Payment Plan under California law.
- Monthly payments should not exceed 10% of your monthly income (excluding basic living expenses).
- Contact Patient Financial Services at (866) 433-4035 to set up a plan.
- Do not agree to a monthly payment you cannot afford. Start low and negotiate.
Tip: Apply for financial assistance first. If approved, your remaining balance (if any) will be much lower, making a payment plan more manageable.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Understand Why
Call (866) 433-4035 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, not residing in UCSF's primary service area, or eligibility for another program like Medi-Cal.
2. Reapply or Provide More Documentation
If your income has changed, or if you can provide additional documentation, submit a new application with updated information. If you were denied because you may qualify for Medi-Cal, apply for Medi-Cal first and then reapply if denied.
3. Explore Other Options
- Medi-Cal: Covers Californians up to 138% FPL regardless of immigration status
- Healthy San Francisco: For uninsured San Francisco residents not eligible for Medi-Cal
- Covered California: Marketplace plans with subsidies for those up to 400% FPL
- Interest-free payment plan: Negotiate affordable monthly terms at (866) 433-4035
- Request an itemized bill: Review every charge for errors and overcharges
- California HCAI complaint: File a complaint with the Department of Health Care Access and Information if UCSF violates fair billing rules
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your UCSF bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Financial Services
Billing & General Inquiries
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for UCSF Health financial assistance?
Uninsured patients with family income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,200/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Patients at 201-350% FPL qualify for partial charity care discounts. Patients at 351-400% FPL (~$62,400/yr single) receive a 50% discount on billed charges. You must have received emergent or medically necessary care and reside in UCSF's primary service area. California law prohibits considering monetary assets.
Does the policy cover UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals?
Yes. UCSF Health's financial assistance policy covers UCSF Medical Center, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco, and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland. One application covers all UCSF Health facilities.
What if I qualify for Medi-Cal?
If you qualify for Medi-Cal (up to 138% FPL regardless of immigration status), Medi-Cal may cover your UCSF bills entirely at no cost. UCSF is required to screen you for Medi-Cal before billing. If you are enrolled, make sure your coverage information is on file with UCSF.
Can UCSF consider my savings or assets?
No. As of January 1, 2025, California law (AB 2297 / SB 1061) prohibits hospitals from considering monetary assets when determining financial assistance eligibility. Only your household income matters. Additionally, for patients at 201-350% FPL, UCSF's own policy explicitly excludes assets from the determination.
Can UCSF report my medical debt to credit agencies?
No. As of January 1, 2025, California law makes any medical debt reported to a consumer credit agency void and unenforceable. If UCSF or a collection agency reports your medical debt to a credit bureau, the debt itself becomes void. This is one of the strongest medical debt protections in the nation.
What is a "Reasonable Payment Plan" under California law?
Under SB 1276, if UCSF and the patient cannot agree on a payment plan, UCSF must create a Reasonable Payment Plan. This means monthly payments should not exceed what you can reasonably afford based on your income and essential expenses. Interest-free terms are available for qualifying patients.
Need Help with Your UCSF Health Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify overcharges, and negotiate with UCSF Health on your behalf. No upfront cost. We handle everything from financial assistance applications to bill negotiations.
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 UCSF Health financial assistance policies and California state law. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with UCSF Patient Financial Services at (866) 433-4035 or visit ucsfhealth.org. For UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, visit ucsfbenioffchildrens.org.