How do I apply for UF Health Jacksonville charity care?

Call (904) 244-4015, email enroll@jax.ufl.edu, or submit your application in person or by mail to the Financial Evaluation Department at 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209. You must apply within 240 days of your first post-discharge billing statement.

Which UF Health facilities in Jacksonville are covered?

The financial assistance policy covers UF Health Jacksonville (main campus at 655 West 8th Street), UF Health North (15255 Max Leggett Parkway), and UF Health St. Johns (400 Health Park Blvd, St. Augustine). Physician services billed separately may have different policies.

How long do I have to apply for UF Health Jacksonville financial assistance?

You have 240 days from the date of your first post-discharge billing statement to submit a complete financial assistance application. During the first 120 days, UF Health cannot initiate extraordinary collection actions against you.

What documents does UF Health Jacksonville require for financial assistance?

UF Health requires proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or Social Security statements), government-issued photo ID, and proof of residency (utility bill or lease agreement). All family members may need to provide identification and income verification.

What is the self-pay discount at UF Health Jacksonville?

Uninsured patients who do not qualify for the full financial assistance program may still receive a 45% discount off gross charges as a self-pay discount. This applies automatically to uninsured patients and does not require a separate application.

UF Health Jacksonville Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL (2026 Guide)

UF Health Jacksonville, a public safety-net hospital and the primary teaching hospital for the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville, offers up to 100% free care for patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). That means a family of 4 earning up to $66,240 per year qualifies for a full write-off. The policy covers emergency, urgent, and medically necessary services at UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North, and UF Health St. Johns. As a public hospital, UF Health Jacksonville provides over $500 million in charity care annually and serves as Duval County's primary safety-net provider.

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Quick Facts Eligibility Calculator Covered Facilities Documents Needed How to Apply Insider Tips FAQ Contact

Quick Facts

100% Free Care (0-200% FPL)

Full write-off for patients with household income at or below 200% FPL. Covers emergency, urgent, and medically necessary services.

45% Self-Pay Discount (All Uninsured)

Uninsured patients who do not qualify for full charity care still receive an automatic 45% discount off gross charges. No application needed for this discount.

3 Hospital Campuses

Covers UF Health Jacksonville (downtown), UF Health North (Northside), and UF Health St. Johns (St. Augustine).

240-Day Application Window

You have 240 days from your first post-discharge billing statement to apply. No extraordinary collection actions during the first 120 days.

7-Day Turnaround on Decisions

UF Health Jacksonville aims to provide a financial assistance determination within 7 days of receiving a complete application. This is significantly faster than many health systems, which can take 30 to 90 days.

Eligibility Calculator (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)

Select your household size:

For a household of 1: You qualify for 100% free care if your annual household income is at or below $31,920 (200% FPL).

100% FPL for household of 1 = $15,960 | 200% FPL = $31,920

Household Size	200% FPL (Max for Free Care)	Discount Level
1 person	$31,920/yr	100% Free Care
2 people	$43,280/yr	100% Free Care
3 people	$54,640/yr	100% Free Care
4 people	$66,000/yr	100% Free Care
5 people	$77,360/yr	100% Free Care
6 people	$88,720/yr	100% Free Care
7 people	$100,080/yr	100% Free Care
8 people	$111,440/yr	100% Free Care

Additional Discount Details

Insured patients: If you have insurance but cannot afford your remaining balance, you may still qualify for a write-off of your patient liability after insurance pays.
Uninsured self-pay discount: All uninsured patients automatically receive a 45% discount off gross charges, even without a financial assistance application.
AGB limit for insured patients: Insured patients approved for FA will never be charged more than the amounts generally billed (AGB), which is currently a minimum discount of approximately 80% off gross charges.
No sliding scale: UF Health Jacksonville does not offer partial discounts between 200% and higher FPL levels. You either qualify for 100% free care or you do not.

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Covered Facilities

UF Health Hospital Campuses

UF Health Jacksonville (655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209)

UF Health North (15255 Max Leggett Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218)

UF Health St. Johns (400 Health Park Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086)

Additional UF Health Jacksonville Services

UF Health Emergency Center (Downtown campus)

UF Health Outpatient Clinics (Multiple Jacksonville locations)

UF Health Specialty Services (Hospital-based physician services)

Physician services billed separately by University of Florida Jacksonville Physicians, Inc. may have different financial assistance policies. Contact (904) 244-4015 to confirm coverage for your specific service.

Documents You Will Need

Required Documents

Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or Social Security statements) for all household members
Government-issued photo ID for the patient
Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or similar)
Identification for family members listed on the application

If Applicable

Denial letter from Medicaid or other programs
Proof of unemployment (benefit letter or termination notice)
Disability determination letter
Insurance denial or explanation of benefits (EOB)

Tip: UF Health Jacksonville's document requirements are relatively straightforward compared to some health systems. They do not require multiple months of bank statements for all accounts. Focus on getting clean proof of income and a valid ID, and your application will move quickly.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

Check Your Eligibility

You qualify for 100% free care if your household income is at or below 200% FPL. For a single person, that is approximately $31,920/year. For a family of 4, approximately $66,240/year. Even if you are above this threshold, all uninsured patients receive an automatic 45% self-pay discount.

Get the Application

Download the Financial Assistance Application from ufhealthjax.org, or pick up a copy in person at the Financial Evaluation Department at 2000 Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32209. You can also request one by calling (904) 244-4015.

Gather Your Documents

Collect proof of income for all household members, government-issued ID, and proof of residency. If you have been denied Medicaid or other coverage, include those denial letters. The application must be completed in its entirety and signed.

Submit Your Application

You can submit by:

In person: Financial Evaluation Department, 2000 Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32209
Mail: UF Health Jacksonville Financial Evaluation Department, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209
UF Health North: Admissions Department, 15255 Max Leggett Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: (904) 244-4015
Email: enroll@jax.ufl.edu

Receive Your Determination (Target: 7 Days)

UF Health Jacksonville aims to provide a determination within 7 days of receiving a complete application. Call (904) 244-4015 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first post-discharge billing statement. Do not wait for a collections notice.
Incomplete application: The application must be completed in its entirety with a signature. Partial applications will be returned and delay your case.
Missing income verification: All household members need to provide income documentation. A missing spouse's pay stub can hold up the entire application.
Confusing hospital and physician bills: You may receive separate bills from UF Health Jacksonville (facility) and University of Florida Jacksonville Physicians (professional). Ask if both are covered under the same FA policy.
Not asking about the self-pay discount: Even if you do not qualify for full charity care, ensure the 45% uninsured discount has been applied to your bill.

Insider Tips and Non-Obvious Facts

UF Health Jacksonville is a Public Safety-Net Hospital

Unlike most private hospital systems, UF Health Jacksonville operates as a public hospital with a mission to serve the uninsured and underinsured. As Duval County's safety-net provider, they are accustomed to processing high volumes of financial assistance applications. Financial counselors are experienced and generally cooperative.

The 120-Day Protection Period is Your Shield

For the first 120 days after your first billing statement, UF Health cannot initiate any extraordinary collection actions (ECAs). This means no credit reporting, no attorney engagement, and no lawsuits during this window. Use this time to gather documents and submit your application without pressure.

The AGB Discount is Significant for Insured Patients

If you have insurance but qualify for financial assistance, UF Health applies their Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) percentage. As of their most recent calculation, this results in a minimum discount of approximately 80% off gross charges. This can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs even after insurance has paid its portion.

Financial Counselors Can Help You Apply for Medicaid Too

UF Health Jacksonville's financial counselors at (904) 244-4015 can help you apply for Medicaid, which may provide even broader coverage than the hospital's charity care program. If approved for Medicaid, it can cover bills retroactively for up to 3 months before your application date.

Collection Practices and ECAs

After the 120-day protection period, UF Health Jacksonville may initiate extraordinary collection actions including credit reporting and attorney engagement. However, they must provide at least 30 days written notice before taking any ECA. If you receive this notice, submit your financial assistance application immediately to halt the process.

Dollar For Can Help You Apply for Free

The nonprofit Dollar For (dollarfor.org) specifically lists UF Health Jacksonville as an eligible hospital. They can help you navigate the financial assistance application process at no cost. This is especially useful if you are overwhelmed by the paperwork or have been initially denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for UF Health Jacksonville financial assistance?

Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL qualify for up to 100% free care. For a single person, that is approximately $31,920/year. For a family of 4, approximately $66,240/year. The policy covers emergency, urgent, and medically necessary services regardless of citizenship status.

What if I am above 200% FPL but still cannot afford my bill?

If you are uninsured and above 200% FPL, you automatically receive a 45% self-pay discount off gross charges. You can also ask about payment plans. If you have insurance, contact financial counseling at (904) 244-4015 to discuss additional options.

Can I apply after I already received a bill?

Yes. You have 240 days from your first post-discharge billing statement to apply. You can apply even if you have already received multiple bills or collection notices. The key is to apply before the 240-day window closes.

How fast will I get a decision?

UF Health Jacksonville aims to provide a determination within 7 days of receiving a complete application. Incomplete applications will delay this timeline. Make sure all documents are included and the application is signed before submitting.

Does UF Health Jacksonville sue patients for medical debt?

UF Health Jacksonville's policy allows for extraordinary collection actions (including potential lawsuits) after the 240-day application window and with 30 days written notice. As a public safety-net hospital, they generally focus on financial assistance enrollment rather than aggressive litigation. However, applying for FA within the deadline is the best way to protect yourself.

What is the difference between UF Health Jacksonville and UF Health Gainesville?

UF Health Jacksonville and UF Health Gainesville (Shands) are separate entities with separate financial assistance policies. This page covers UF Health Jacksonville only. If you received care at UF Health in Gainesville, you need to apply through their separate process at ufhealth.org.

Contact Information

Financial Counseling

Mailing Address

Official Resources

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available UF Health Jacksonville financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with UF Health Jacksonville at (904) 244-4015 or visit ufhealthjax.org/patients-and-visitors/insurance-billing-finance/financial-assistance.