UMMS Financial Assistance: Free Care at 200% FPL (Maryland Law) + Discounts to 300% FPL (2026 Guide)
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a nonprofit health system based in Baltimore, Maryland, operating 11 hospitals across the state. Maryland law requires all hospitals to provide 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). UMMS also offers sliding-scale discounts for patients earning between 200-300% FPL. One application covers all 11 UMMS facilities.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care (0-200% FPL)
Maryland state law REQUIRES this. Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) receive full charity care. This is not optional hospital generosity.
Sliding-Scale Discounts (200-300% FPL)
Partial discounts on a sliding scale for patients with income between 200-300% FPL (~$31,921-$47,880/yr single)
11 Hospitals, One Application
Covers all UMMS facilities across Maryland. Unlike some multi-hospital systems, you only need to apply once.
240-Day Application Window
From date of service. No citizenship or residency requirement to apply.
No Citizenship or Residency Requirement
UMMS does not require proof of citizenship or Maryland residency to qualify for financial assistance. If you received care at a UMMS facility and meet income guidelines, you can apply.
The Maryland Advantage (Why This State Is Different)
Only State with All-Payer Rate Setting (HSCRC)
Maryland is the ONLY state in the country with an all-payer rate-setting system, regulated by the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC). Hospital charges are the same for all payers. There is no "chargemaster markup" trap like in other states. The gross charges you see on your bill ARE the regulated rate, not an inflated starting point.
Free Care at 200% FPL is State Law
Maryland law requires ALL hospitals in the state to provide free care to patients at or below 200% FPL. This is a legal floor, not an optional charity program. Hospitals cannot deny this.
Uninsured Patients Pay the Same Rate
Because of the HSCRC system, uninsured patients in Maryland already pay the same regulated rate as insured patients. You are not being charged inflated "list prices" that only uninsured people see.
Collection Protections Without an Application
Maryland prohibits hospitals from taking extraordinary collection actions against patients at 200% FPL, even if you have not submitted a financial assistance application. The protection exists regardless.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | 100% Free Care (State Law Mandate) |
| 200-300% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$47,880/yr | Partial discount (sliding scale) |
| Above 300% FPL | Above ~$47,880/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- No citizenship requirement. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify.
- No residency requirement. You do not need to be a Maryland resident.
- You must screen for Medicaid and Maryland Health Connection eligibility before FA can be determined.
- Apply within 240 days of the date of service.
- One application covers all 11 UMMS hospitals statewide.
- Maryland law protects patients at 200% FPL from extraordinary collection actions even without an application.
- You can apply via the MyChart patient portal online.
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Get Help with Your Bill11 Hospitals Across Maryland (One Application)
One financial assistance application covers all UMMS facilities. You do not need to apply separately at each hospital.
The financial assistance policy applies to all UMMS entities. One application covers all facilities listed above.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal income tax return
- Recent pay stubs or other income evidence
- Proof of disability or Social Security income (if applicable)
- Medical Assistance Notice of Determination (if applicable)
Other Documentation
- Mortgage or rent documentation
- Any Medicaid or Maryland Health Connection denial letter
- Account number(s) for the bill(s) you need help with
MyChart Option: You can submit your application and documentation through the MyChart patient portal online, which may be faster than mail or fax.
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing or result in denial. Make sure all required fields are completed and supporting documentation is included before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care for household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single). This is required by Maryland state law. Sliding-scale discounts for income between 200-300% FPL (~$47,880/yr single). No citizenship or residency requirement.
Screen for Medicaid / Maryland Health Connection
UMMS requires patients to screen for Medicaid and Maryland Health Connection eligibility before financial assistance can be determined. UMMS staff can help you with this process, or you can apply at marylandhealthconnection.gov.
Gather Your Documents
Collect your most recent federal income tax return, recent pay stubs, proof of disability or Social Security income (if applicable), Medical Assistance Notice of Determination (if applicable), and mortgage/rent documentation.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Phone: (410) 821-4140 or toll-free (877) 632-4909
- Email: CBOService@umm.edu
- Fax: (410) 630-5341
- Mail: 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 230, Hunt Valley, MD 21031
- Online: Through the MyChart patient portal
Follow Up
Call (410) 821-4140 or (877) 632-4909 to confirm receipt and check your application status. Keep copies of everything you submit. One application covers all 11 UMMS hospitals.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of the date of service.
- Skipping Medicaid screening: You must screen for Medicaid/Maryland Health Connection eligibility before FA can be determined.
- Incomplete application: Missing documentation or unsigned forms will delay or prevent approval.
- Ignoring bills while waiting: Contact UMMS to let them know you are applying so your account is flagged appropriately.
- Not knowing your rights: Maryland law protects you at 200% FPL from collection actions even without an application. Know this before engaging with collectors.
Maryland Debt Protections
3-Year Statute of Limitations
Maryland has a 3-year statute of limitations on medical debt. This is shorter than most states. After 3 years from the date the debt became due, the debt is legally unenforceable. Debt collectors can still ask you to pay, but they cannot sue you or use the courts to collect.
$25,150 Homestead Exemption
Maryland law provides a $25,150 homestead exemption that protects your home equity from creditors. If a judgment is obtained against you, this exemption shields a portion of your home value.
Collection Protections at 200% FPL
Maryland law prohibits hospitals from taking extraordinary collection actions (lawsuits, wage garnishment, liens, adverse credit reporting) against patients at or below 200% FPL. This protection applies even if you have not submitted a financial assistance application.
No Chargemaster Markup in Maryland
Because of the HSCRC all-payer system, there is no inflated "chargemaster" rate in Maryland. The bill you receive reflects regulated rates that are the same whether you have insurance or not. This is a significant advantage over patients in other states who may see bills inflated 3-10x above what insurers actually pay.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact UMMS Financial Counseling
Call (410) 821-4140 or (877) 632-4909 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 300% FPL, incomplete documentation, or not completing the Medicaid screening process.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Make sure to include the Medicaid/Maryland Health Connection screening results.
3. Explore Other Options
- Payment plan: UMMS offers payment plans for balances not covered by financial assistance
- Request an itemized bill: Review all charges for errors
- Medicaid: Maryland expanded Medicaid covers residents up to 138% FPL
- Maryland Health Connection: Marketplace coverage with subsidies for those above Medicaid limits
- HSCRC complaint: If you believe the hospital is not following Maryland rate-setting rules, you can file a complaint with the Health Services Cost Review Commission
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help with your UMMS bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and work on your behalf at no upfront cost.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for UMMS financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL (~$31,920/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. This is mandated by Maryland state law. Patients with income between 200-300% FPL qualify for sliding-scale discounts. There is no citizenship or residency requirement.
Why is Maryland different from other states for hospital bills?
Maryland is the only state with an all-payer rate-setting system (HSCRC). Hospital charges are regulated and identical for all payers. There is no chargemaster markup. Uninsured patients pay the same rate as insured patients. Additionally, state law mandates free care at 200% FPL and prohibits collection actions against low-income patients.
Does one application cover all UMMS hospitals?
Yes. Unlike some multi-hospital systems that require separate applications per facility, one UMMS financial assistance application covers all 11 hospitals in the system, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen or Maryland resident?
No. UMMS has no citizenship requirement and no specific residency requirement for financial assistance. If you received care at a UMMS facility and meet income guidelines, you can apply regardless of immigration status or where you live.
What is the statute of limitations on medical debt in Maryland?
Maryland has a 3-year statute of limitations on medical debt, which is shorter than most states. After 3 years, the debt is legally unenforceable. Maryland also provides a $25,150 homestead exemption to protect home equity from creditors.
Can I apply through MyChart?
Yes. UMMS allows patients to submit financial assistance applications and supporting documentation through the MyChart patient portal. This may be faster than mail or fax. You can also apply by phone at (410) 821-4140 or toll-free at (877) 632-4909.
Need Help with Your UMMS Bill?
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Start Your Free Case ReviewThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available UMMS financial assistance policies and Maryland state law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with UMMS at (410) 821-4140 or (877) 632-4909, or visit umms.org/patients-visitors/umms-financial-assistance.