University Hospitals Cleveland Financial Assistance: Free Care via HCAP + Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
University Hospitals (UH) offers free care through Ohio's HCAP program for patients at or below 100% FPL, plus sliding-scale discounts up to 400% FPL through their own Financial Assistance Program. The policy covers all 21 hospitals across 16 counties in northern Ohio, including UH Cleveland Medical Center, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, and community hospitals from Elyria to Conneaut.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care (HCAP)
Ohio residents at 0-100% FPL (single: up to ~$15,960/yr) get free medically necessary care via Ohio's HCAP program
Sliding Scale to 400% FPL
UH's own FA program provides discounts for income up to 400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single)
21 Hospitals Covered
Across 16 counties in northern Ohio, plus 50+ health centers and 200+ physician offices
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement. 120-day moratorium on collection actions.
Covers Insured Patients Too
Both insured and uninsured patients with income 0-400% FPL are eligible. Insured patients can get help with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Program & Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-100% FPL | Up to ~$15,960/yr | Ohio HCAP: 100% Free Care |
| 101-200% FPL | ~$15,961 - ~$31,920/yr | UH FA Program: significant discount (sliding scale) |
| 201-300% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$47,880/yr | UH FA Program: moderate discount (sliding scale) |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | UH FA Program: partial discount (sliding scale) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients with income 0-400% FPL are eligible.
- You must be an Ohio resident to qualify.
- Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid screening before FA eligibility is determined.
- You may qualify if medical expenses exceed an established percentage of your family income.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- A new application is required for each month of hospital services received.
- UH will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
Ohio HCAP (Hospital Care Assurance Program)
HCAP is an Ohio state program that provides free basic, medically necessary hospital services to qualifying residents. All Ohio hospitals, including University Hospitals, are required to participate.
HCAP Eligibility
- Must be an Ohio resident
- Household income at or below 100% FPL (~$15,960/yr single, ~$33,000/yr family of 4)
- Must not be eligible for Medicaid
- Covers basic, medically necessary hospital services
- This is in addition to UH's own FA program (which extends to 400% FPL)
HCAP has its own application form, separate from UH's Financial Assistance Application. Both are available on the UH website or by calling 1-866-771-7266.
21 Hospitals Covered (16 Ohio Counties)
Main Campus (Cleveland)
Regional & Community Hospitals
Plus 50+ health centers, outpatient facilities, and 200+ physician offices across northern Ohio.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Income documentation for 3 months or 12 months prior to date of service
- Recent pay stubs
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Income info for all family members under 18 in the home
Other Documentation
- Proof of Ohio residency
- Documentation of qualifying medical expenses
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Government-issued photo ID
Important: Incomplete or unsigned applications are immediately denied. Make sure every field is filled out and the application is signed before submitting. A new application is required for each month of hospital services.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Free care via Ohio HCAP at 0-100% FPL (~$15,960/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts via UH FA Program for 0-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). You must be an Ohio resident.
Contact Financial Counseling
Call 1-866-771-7266 (Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm) or visit Patient Access Services at any UH hospital. A financial counselor can help determine which program is best for your situation.
Complete the Application
Download from uhhospitals.org or request by phone. Fill out completely and sign. If applying for HCAP, there is a separate HCAP application form.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail: University Hospitals, Management Service Center, 3605 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44122
- In person: Patient Access Services at any UH hospital
Follow Up
Call 1-866-771-7266 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 billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Unsigned or incomplete applications are immediately denied. Double-check before submitting.
- Monthly applications: A new application is required for each month of hospital services. Do not assume one application covers all visits.
- Skipping Medicaid screening: Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid/government assistance screening before FA is determined.
- Ohio residency: You must be an Ohio resident to qualify.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Financial Counseling
Call 1-866-771-7266 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 400% FPL, incomplete documentation, unsigned application, or Ohio residency issues.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Make sure it is signed and fully filled out.
3. Explore Other Options
- Ohio HCAP: If denied UH FA, you may still qualify for HCAP (separate application) if income is at or below 100% FPL
- Payment plans: UH offers financing options for remaining balances
- Request an itemized bill: Review charges for errors
- Ohio Medicaid: Check eligibility (covers residents up to 138% FPL)
- Medical expense hardship: You may qualify if medical bills exceed a percentage of family income
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your UH bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Financial Counseling
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Mail & In Person
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for University Hospitals financial assistance?
Ohio residents with household income at or below 100% FPL (~$15,960/yr single) qualify for 100% free care through HCAP. UH's own FA program provides sliding-scale discounts for income up to 400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible.
What is the difference between HCAP and UH Financial Assistance?
HCAP is an Ohio state program providing free care at 0-100% FPL. It has its own application. UH's Financial Assistance Program extends to 400% FPL with sliding-scale discounts. You may qualify for one or both programs. A financial counselor can help determine which to apply for.
Does UH cover insured patients?
Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients with household income 0-400% FPL are eligible. Insured patients can receive help with out-of-pocket costs including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after insurance pays its portion.
Do I need a new application for each visit?
A new application is required for each month of hospital services received. If you had services in multiple months, you may need to submit separate applications for each month. Contact a financial counselor at 1-866-771-7266 for guidance.
Can I apply after my bill goes to collections?
Yes, as long as you apply within 240 days of your first billing statement. UH cannot initiate extraordinary collection actions for at least 120 days from the initial billing date, and must provide 30 days written notice before any ECAs.
Do I need to live in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio residency is required for both HCAP and UH's Financial Assistance Program. You will need to provide proof of residency with your application.
Need Help with Your University Hospitals Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with University Hospitals on your behalf. No upfront cost.
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 University Hospitals financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with UH at 1-866-771-7266 or visit uhhospitals.org.