University Health Kansas City Financial Assistance: FREE Care to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
University Health (formerly Truman Medical Center) is the public safety-net hospital for Jackson County, Missouri. It offers one of the most generous financial assistance programs in the country: 100% free care for patients with household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. That means a family of 4 earning up to $132,000/year qualifies for completely free hospital care. The program also includes free prescriptions at University Health pharmacies.
Jump to Section
Quick Facts
Eligibility Calculator
Enter your household size and annual income to see if you may qualify for free care at University Health.
400% FPL threshold for household of 1: $63,840/year
This calculator provides estimates only. Actual eligibility is determined by University Health based on your complete application, documentation, and residency verification. You must be a Kansas City, MO or Jackson County, MO resident to qualify.
Covered Facilities
Financial assistance applies only at University Health facilities. If you receive care at other Kansas City hospitals (Saint Luke's, KU Med, etc.), you will need to apply for their separate financial assistance programs.
University Health Hospital Hill
Main campus (formerly Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill)
University Health Lakewood
Formerly Truman Medical Center Lakewood
University Health Clinics
Multiple locations across KC/Jackson County
University Health Behavioral Health
Mental health facility
Required Documents
Gather these documents before applying. The residency requirement is strictly enforced. Without proof of Kansas City or Jackson County residency, your application will be denied.
- Proof of Income
Recent pay stubs (30 days), tax returns, Social Security benefit letters, unemployment statements, or self-employment records
- Household Size Verification
Tax return showing dependents, birth certificates, or other documentation of household members
- Government-Issued ID
Driver's license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo identification
- Proof of Kansas City/Jackson County Residency
Utility bill, lease agreement, voter registration, property tax statement, or other official document showing your KC/Jackson County address. This is critical and strictly enforced.
- Asset Verification
Bank statements, investment account statements, property records
How to Apply
- 1
Confirm Your Residency
Make sure you are a resident of Kansas City, MO or Jackson County, MO. If you live on the Kansas side (Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, etc.), you are not eligible for University Health FA. Consider University of Kansas Health System (300% FPL) or Saint Luke's (200% FPL) instead.
- 2
Check Your Income
Use the calculator above to confirm your household income is at or below 400% FPL. For a single person, that is $63,840/year. For a family of 4, that is $132,000/year.
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect all required documents listed above. Pay special attention to residency proof. A utility bill or lease with your KC/Jackson County address is typically accepted.
- 4
Contact Financial Counseling
Call University Health at (816) 404-3000 or visit the financial assistance office at University Health Hospital Hill or Lakewood. Ask to speak with a financial counselor.
- 5
Complete and Submit Application
Fill out the financial assistance application completely. Attach all supporting documentation. Submit within 240 days of your date of service.
- 6
Follow Up
Call (816) 404-3000 to confirm receipt of your application and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. If approved, the write-off applies to your covered services at University Health facilities.
Free Prescriptions (Pharmaceutical Assistance)
University Health provides pharmaceutical assistance at the same 400% FPL income threshold as their hospital financial assistance program. If you qualify for free care, you also qualify for free medications at University Health pharmacies.
What this means for you:
- Prescriptions filled at University Health pharmacies are free if you qualify
- Same 400% FPL income threshold applies (no separate application needed)
- Can save thousands of dollars per year for patients with ongoing medication needs
- Only applies at University Health pharmacies. Prescriptions filled at CVS, Walgreens, etc. are not covered
Important Notes
Strict Residency Requirement
University Health financial assistance is only available to residents of Kansas City, MO or Jackson County, MO. This is strictly enforced.
If you live in Kansas (Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, etc.), you are NOT eligible. Consider these alternatives:
- University of Kansas Health System: 300% FPL threshold
- Saint Luke's Health System: 200% FPL threshold
Missouri Medical Debt: 10-Year Statute of Limitations
Missouri has a 10-year statute of limitations on medical debt. This is one of the longest in the country. If you do not apply for financial assistance and a balance goes to collections, creditors can pursue you for a full decade.
Applying for University Health financial assistance avoids this trap entirely. If approved, the debt is written off and cannot become a judgment against you.
Missouri's Low Homestead Exemption ($15,000)
Missouri's homestead exemption is only $15,000, which is extremely low. If a medical debt results in a court judgment, creditors could force the sale of your home to satisfy the debt (since most homes have far more than $15,000 in equity). Getting University Health FA approval prevents judgments that could threaten your home.
This is Not Health Insurance
University Health financial assistance only covers care received at University Health facilities. If you go to Saint Luke's, KU Med, or any other hospital across town, you will need to apply for their separate financial assistance programs. This discount does not follow you to other providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for University Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level who are residents of Kansas City, MO or Jackson County, MO. For a family of 4, this means income up to $132,000/year. There is no citizenship requirement. This is one of the most generous thresholds of any hospital in the country.
Is University Health the same as Truman Medical Center?
Yes. University Health was formerly known as Truman Medical Center. The rebranding changed the name but not the facilities, services, or financial assistance program. University Health Hospital Hill was formerly Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill, and University Health Lakewood was formerly Truman Medical Center Lakewood.
Does University Health financial assistance include free prescriptions?
Yes. University Health provides pharmaceutical assistance (free medications) at the same 400% FPL income threshold. If you are approved for financial assistance, you can get your prescriptions filled for free at University Health pharmacies. This can save thousands of dollars per year.
I live in Overland Park/Olathe/Kansas. Can I get University Health FA?
No. University Health has a strict residency requirement. You must live in Kansas City, MO or Jackson County, MO. Kansas-side residents should look at University of Kansas Health System (300% FPL) or Saint Luke's (200% FPL) for financial assistance.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 240 days from the date of service to submit a complete financial assistance application. Do not wait until the deadline. Apply as soon as possible.
Can University Health turn me away if I cannot pay?
No. As a public safety-net hospital owned by Jackson County government, University Health cannot turn anyone away. They are required to provide care regardless of ability to pay. The financial assistance program ensures you will not be burdened with debt after receiving that care.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify?
No. University Health has no citizenship requirement for financial assistance. You must be a Kansas City, MO or Jackson County, MO resident, but citizenship or immigration status is not a factor.
What if my income is above 400% FPL?
University Health does not have a separate discount tier. If your income exceeds 400% FPL, you may not qualify for the financial assistance program. However, you can still contact them about payment plans or other options. Call (816) 404-3000 to discuss your situation.
Contact Information
(816) 404-3000
Main phone / Financial Counseling
Official website with application details
Kansas City, Missouri (Jackson County)
Public safety-net hospital for Jackson County
Disclaimer: This page is provided for informational purposes by CareRoute. We are not affiliated with University Health. Program details, income thresholds, and policies may change. Always verify current requirements directly with University Health at (816) 404-3000 or on their official website. This information does not constitute legal or financial advice.