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University Health (San Antonio) Financial Assistance: Income Limits and How to Apply (2026)

University Health (San Antonio) offers 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $33,000 a year for a family of four) and discounted care up to 250% FPL. Here is who qualifies, what you need, and how to apply.

Updated June 2026

University Health (San Antonio) Income Limits for Free Care

Your eligibility is based on household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. Free care applies at or below 100% FPL; discounted care applies up to 250% FPL.

Household sizeFree care if income is at or below (100% FPL)Discounted care up to (250% FPL)
1 person$15,960$39,900
2 people$21,640$54,100
3 people$27,320$68,300
4 people$33,000$82,500
5 people$38,680$96,700
6 people$44,360$110,900

Income figures use 2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines and are rounded. Actual eligibility depends on the hospital's review of your application.

What University Health (San Antonio) Offers

Free care

100% of the bill at or below 100% FPL. Sliding scale atop a 75% automatic uninsured discount: fully free at or below 100% FPL, plus 50% (101-175%) and 25% (176-250%) off the remaining balance. 250% is the outer eligibility ceiling.

Discounted care

Up to 250% FPL, as a sliding-scale discount.

Uninsured discount

75% automatic uninsured discount.

Hardship / catastrophic

Medically indigent (insured): bills after insurance exceeding 5% of household gross income.

How to Apply

What you will need

  • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefit award letters)
  • Proof of household size (tax return listing dependents, or similar)
  • Government-issued photo ID
Deadline: about 90 days from your billing date.
Residency: Bexar County for CareLink; Charity Care open to non-residents..
Citizenship: not required (immigration status does not bar eligibility).
How to apply: CareLink program for Bexar County residents; Charity Care also open to non-residents. Apply within 90 days.

Don't want to handle the application yourself?

CareRoute Bill Defense applies for financial assistance at University Health (San Antonio) on your behalf, negotiates with the hospital, and monitors your account to keep it out of collections. No upfront cost, and no fee unless we reduce your bill.

Get help with your bill

Texas also has medical-bill protections that may help beyond University Health (San Antonio)'s own program, such as limits on collections, credit reporting, and wage garnishment.

See all Texas medical bill rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Does University Health (San Antonio) offer financial assistance or charity care?
Yes. University Health (San Antonio) provides 100% free care to patients with household income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus discounted care up to 250% FPL (a sliding-scale discount). Uninsured patients also receive 75% automatic uninsured discount.
What is the income limit for free care at University Health (San Antonio)?
Free care is available at or below 100% FPL. For a family of four in 2026 that is about $33,000 per year. See the income table above for other household sizes. Income above that may still qualify for discounted care up to 250% FPL.
How do I apply for University Health (San Antonio) financial assistance?
Gather your income documents and a photo ID, then submit the hospital's financial assistance application. CareLink program for Bexar County residents; Charity Care also open to non-residents. Apply within 90 days. You generally have about 90 days from your billing date to apply.
What if my bill is unaffordable even above the income limit?
University Health (San Antonio) has a hardship provision. Medically indigent (insured): bills after insurance exceeding 5% of household gross income.
Can CareRoute help with a University Health (San Antonio) bill?
Yes. CareRoute Bill Defense applies for financial assistance on your behalf, negotiates with the hospital, and works to keep your account out of collections. There is no upfront cost and no fee unless we reduce your bill.

Related

Last updated: June 2026. Eligibility details are based on University Health (San Antonio)'s published financial assistance policy and may change. This page is informational and not financial or legal advice. Confirm current terms with University Health (San Antonio)'s financial assistance office before applying.