UMC Southern Nevada Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC) is Clark County's only public hospital and only Level 1 Trauma Center. UMC serves all patients regardless of ability to pay or immigration status, and includes the Children's Hospital of Nevada at UMC, UMC Quick Care clinics, and outpatient services throughout the Las Vegas area. UMC provides free and discounted care for eligible Clark County residents through its financial assistance program.
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Quick Eligibility Summary
Eligibility Calculator
Enter your household size to see approximate income thresholds for UMC Southern Nevada financial assistance. Based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
These are estimates based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Actual eligibility is determined by UMC Patient Financial Services based on your complete application.
Who Qualifies for UMC Southern Nevada Financial Assistance?
100% Free Care
Clark County residents with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for complete charity care through the UMC financial assistance program. This means your entire hospital bill is written off. For a single person in 2026, 200% FPL is approximately $31,920/year. For a family of four, it is approximately $65,600/year.
Discounted Care (201-400% FPL)
Clark County residents with household income between 201% and 400% FPL qualify for discounted care on a sliding scale. The discount amount depends on where your income falls within this range. Financial counselors at UMC can calculate your specific discount level based on your household size and income.
Emergency Care for All Patients
As Clark County's only Level 1 Trauma Center, UMC provides emergency care to all patients regardless of residency, insurance status, or ability to pay. This is required by federal EMTALA law. If you receive emergency care at UMC, you should still apply for financial assistance afterward, even if you are not a Clark County resident.
UMC Facilities and Services
UMC Southern Nevada operates multiple facilities across Clark County. Financial assistance applies to services received at any UMC location, making the program valuable for both emergency and ongoing care needs.
UMC Main Hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center
The flagship facility at 1800 W Charleston Blvd is Clark County's only Level 1 Trauma Center, providing the highest level of surgical care for critically injured patients. Trauma services are available 24/7. UMC also houses a comprehensive emergency department, inpatient care, and surgical services.
Children's Hospital of Nevada at UMC
The Children's Hospital of Nevada at UMC provides specialized pediatric care including a pediatric emergency department, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and pediatric specialty services. Financial assistance covers children's hospital services for eligible families.
UMC Quick Care Clinics
UMC Quick Care clinics offer walk-in urgent care services at multiple locations throughout the Las Vegas valley. These clinics provide treatment for non-emergency illnesses and injuries at a lower cost than the emergency department. Financial assistance applies to Quick Care visits for eligible patients.
UMC Outpatient Services
UMC provides outpatient services including imaging, lab work, specialty clinics, and follow-up care. Financial assistance covers outpatient services for eligible Clark County residents, making it easier to manage ongoing care without accumulating unaffordable bills.
Required Documents
To apply for UMC financial assistance, you will need to provide the following documentation. Gathering these items before you apply will help speed up the process.
- Proof of income: Pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns, Social Security award letter, or a signed statement of no income
- Household size documentation: Information about all members of your household and their income
- Government-issued ID: Driver's license, state ID, passport, or consular ID
- Proof of Clark County residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your Clark County address
- UMC account information: Your medical bills or account numbers from UMC
No citizenship requirement: UMC does not require proof of citizenship or immigration status to apply for financial assistance. Eligibility is based on income and Clark County residency.
How to Apply for UMC Southern Nevada Financial Assistance
Contact UMC Patient Financial Services
Call (702) 383-2241 or visit the Patient Financial Services office at UMC, 1800 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102. You can also ask at registration or the emergency department for help connecting with a financial counselor.
Gather Your Documents
You will need proof of income, proof of Clark County residency, government-issued ID, household size information, and your UMC medical bills or account numbers. Your financial counselor will confirm exactly what is required for your situation.
Complete the Financial Assistance Application
Fill out the UMC financial assistance application. A financial counselor can assist you with the process in person or over the phone. Submit the application within 240 days of your first billing statement.
Ask About Nevada Medicaid Screening
While applying for UMC financial assistance, ask your financial counselor to screen you for Nevada Medicaid eligibility. Nevada expanded Medicaid under the ACA, covering adults up to 138% FPL. For children, Nevada Check Up provides coverage for families with income up to 200% FPL. If you qualify, Medicaid may provide broader coverage than the hospital financial assistance program alone.
Submit and Follow Up
Submit your completed application with all documentation. Keep copies of everything you submit. Follow up within 2 weeks if you have not received confirmation. Ask for a timeline of when you can expect a determination. If approved at 200% FPL or below, your balance will be written off entirely. If approved at 201-400% FPL, a sliding scale discount will be applied.
Need Help with a UMC Hospital Bill?
CareRoute can help you understand your options, draft appeal letters, and navigate the financial assistance application process. Our tools are designed to help patients advocate for themselves effectively.
Try Bill DefenseNevada Billing Protections
Nevada law provides several important protections for patients facing medical debt. These protections apply regardless of whether you qualify for UMC financial assistance.
- 6-year statute of limitations: Medical debt collectors have 6 years to file a lawsuit to collect on a medical debt in Nevada. After that, the debt is time-barred.
- $605,000 homestead exemption: Nevada provides one of the strongest homestead exemptions in the country. Medical debt collectors cannot force the sale of your home if your equity is under $605,000.
- 25% wage garnishment limit: If a medical debt collector obtains a judgment against you, they can only garnish up to 25% of your disposable earnings (or the amount exceeding 50 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less).
- No Surprises Act (federal): Protects patients from surprise out-of-network bills for emergency services and certain non-emergency services at in-network facilities. This applies at UMC and all Nevada hospitals.
Payment Plans
Even if you do not qualify for full charity care or sliding scale discounts, UMC offers payment plan options to help patients manage their balances over time.
- Interest-free payment plans available for qualifying patients
- Monthly payment amounts based on your ability to pay
- Contact Patient Financial Services at (702) 383-2241 to set up a plan
- Payment plans can be set up even while your financial assistance application is under review
If Your Application Is Denied
If UMC denies your financial assistance application, you still have options:
- 1.Request a written explanation of the denial reason. This helps you understand what to address in an appeal.
- 2.Appeal the decision. Ask your financial counselor about the appeal process. Provide additional documentation that addresses the specific denial reason, such as updated income verification or residency proof.
- 3.Request a payment plan. Even without charity care approval, UMC may offer interest-free or reduced payment plans to manage your balance over time.
- 4.Apply for Nevada Medicaid. If you were denied UMC financial assistance, you may still qualify for Nevada Medicaid. Ask a UMC financial counselor or visit the Nevada DWSS website to check your eligibility. For children, Nevada Check Up covers families up to 200% FPL.
- 5.Contact the Clark County Commission. As a public hospital governed by the county, UMC has obligations to the community it serves. If you believe a denial was unjust, contacting county officials can be an effective escalation path.
Denied? Let Us Help You Appeal
CareRoute can help you draft an appeal letter, identify the right provisions to cite, and build a compelling case for why your UMC financial assistance application should be reconsidered.
Start Your Appeal with Bill DefenseContact Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UMC Southern Nevada and what makes it different from other Las Vegas hospitals?
University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC) is Clark County's only public hospital and only Level 1 Trauma Center. As a public safety-net hospital, UMC is obligated to serve all patients regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. The system also includes the Children's Hospital of Nevada at UMC, Quick Care clinics, and outpatient services throughout the Las Vegas area.
What income level qualifies for free care at UMC?
Clark County residents with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for 100% free care. For a single person in 2026, that is approximately $31,920 per year. For a family of four, it is approximately $65,600 per year. Residents between 201% and 400% FPL qualify for sliding scale discounts.
Can undocumented immigrants receive care and financial assistance at UMC?
Yes. UMC serves patients regardless of immigration status. Emergency care is available to all patients under federal EMTALA law. Financial assistance eligibility is based on income and Clark County residency, not citizenship or immigration status. UMC does not require proof of citizenship to apply.
How long do I have to apply for financial assistance?
You have 240 days from the date of your first billing statement to submit a financial assistance application. It is best to apply as soon as possible to prevent your account from being sent to collections. If you are past the deadline, contact Patient Financial Services anyway to discuss your options.
Does UMC financial assistance cover Quick Care clinic visits?
Yes. Financial assistance applies across the entire UMC system, including the main hospital, Quick Care clinics, and outpatient services. If you qualify for free or discounted care, those benefits extend to services received at any UMC facility.
Does UMC offer payment plans?
Yes. Even if you do not qualify for full charity care or sliding scale discounts, UMC offers interest-free payment plans to help patients manage their balances over time. Contact Patient Financial Services at (702) 383-2241 to discuss payment plan options for your specific situation.
Related Guides
Nevada state protections and other resources for Clark County patients.
Last updated: May 2026. Information is based on publicly available UMC Southern Nevada financial assistance policies. Always confirm current eligibility requirements directly with UMC Patient Financial Services.