University of Michigan Health Financial Assistance: Free Care Up to 300% FPL (2026 Guide)
University of Michigan Health (Michigan Medicine) offers free care through its MSupport program for Michigan residents with household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. This covers all Michigan Medicine facilities, including University Hospital, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital, and the Rogel Cancer Center. As a nonprofit hospital system, U-M Health is required to offer financial assistance and cannot charge eligible patients more than the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care (MSupport)
Michigan residents at 0-300% FPL (single: up to ~$47,880/yr) receive full charity care for medically necessary services
Michigan Residency Required
Applicants must be residents of the State of Michigan. Non-residents should contact Patient Financial Counseling for other options.
All Michigan Medicine Facilities
Covers University Hospital, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital, Rogel Cancer Center, and all clinics
240-Day Application Window
From your first billing statement. Written decision provided within 30 days of completed application.
Healthy Michigan Plan Connection
If you are uninsured and earn up to 138% FPL, you may qualify for the Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid expansion). Michigan Medicine financial counselors can help screen you for this coverage, which may provide ongoing benefits beyond a single hospital visit.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | 100% Free Care |
| 201-300% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$47,880/yr | 100% Free Care |
| Above 300% FPL | Above ~$47,880/yr | Not eligible for MSupport (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Michigan residency required: You must be a resident of the State of Michigan to qualify for MSupport.
- Both uninsured and underinsured patients may be eligible for financial assistance.
- Medically necessary services only: MSupport covers medically necessary care performed by U-M Health providers at Michigan Medicine facilities.
- Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan screening before FA eligibility is determined.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- U-M Health will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
Michigan Medicine Facilities Covered
Main Hospitals (Ann Arbor)
Specialty Centers
Outpatient Clinics and Health Centers
Michigan Medicine operates dozens of outpatient clinics throughout southeastern Michigan. Contact (877) 326-9155 to confirm your facility is covered under the MSupport program.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal tax return
- Recent W-2 or wage and tax statements
- Recent pay stubs (at least 2-3 months)
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment records (if applicable)
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Michigan residency
- Proof of household size
- Bank statements (recent)
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Personal statement explaining financial hardship
- Michigan Medicine account number or billing statement
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Make sure every required field is filled out, the application is signed, and all supporting documents are attached before submitting. Michigan Medicine will notify you if additional information is needed.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Michigan residents with household income at or below 300% FPL (~$47,880/yr for a single person) qualify for free care. Both uninsured and underinsured patients may apply.
Contact Patient Financial Counseling
Call (877) 326-9155 or local (734) 232-2621, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. You can also email [email protected]. A counselor can help determine your eligibility and guide you through the application.
Complete the MSupport Application
Download the application from uofmhealth.org or request one by phone/email. Fill out completely with household income, family size, and attach all supporting documents listed above.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail: Send to Patient Financial Counseling, University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, MI
- Email: [email protected]
- In person: Patient Financial Counseling office at Michigan Medicine
Receive Your Decision
Michigan Medicine will provide a written decision within 30 days of receiving your completed application. If approved, eligible charges will be adjusted accordingly. If additional information is needed, respond promptly to avoid delays.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
- Incomplete application: Missing documents or unsigned forms will delay or prevent approval.
- Skipping Medicaid screening: Uninsured patients must cooperate with Healthy Michigan Plan/Medicaid screening before FA is determined.
- Not proving Michigan residency: You must demonstrate that you are a Michigan resident.
- Wrong facility: MSupport covers Michigan Medicine (Ann Arbor system) specifically. U-M Health-West (Grand Rapids) has a separate program.
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CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify errors, and negotiate with Michigan Medicine on your behalf. No upfront cost, and you only pay if we save you money.
Get Help with Your BillMichigan Patient Billing Protections
Michigan law and federal regulations provide important protections for hospital patients. These apply in addition to financial assistance programs.
Your Protections
- No Surprises Act: You cannot be balance billed for emergency care at out-of-network facilities, or by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, without prior consent.
- Good faith estimates: Uninsured patients can request a good faith estimate before receiving care. If your bill exceeds the estimate by $400 or more, you can dispute it through the federal process.
- Nonprofit hospital requirements: As a 501(c)(3) hospital, U-M Health must offer financial assistance, limit charges for eligible patients to AGB, and refrain from extraordinary collection actions for at least 120 days.
- Michigan consumer protections: Michigan law prohibits unfair collection practices. Hospitals must notify patients of financial assistance availability before pursuing collections.
- Healthy Michigan Plan: Michigan expanded Medicaid covers adults up to 138% FPL. Michigan Medicine counselors can help you apply.
Payment Plans & Other Options
Even if you do not qualify for MSupport financial assistance, Michigan Medicine offers several options to help manage your bill:
- Interest-free payment plans: Michigan Medicine offers payment arrangements to break your balance into manageable monthly installments.
- Online bill pay: Manage your account and make payments through the Michigan Medicine patient portal at uofmhealth.org.
- Prompt pay discount: Ask about discounts for paying your balance in full within a specified timeframe.
- Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid): If you are uninsured and earn up to 138% FPL, you may qualify for Michigan's expanded Medicaid program, which provides ongoing coverage.
- Request an itemized bill: Always review your itemized bill for errors before paying. Billing mistakes are common, especially at large academic medical centers.
- Marketplace insurance: If you missed open enrollment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Financial counselors can help you explore options.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Patient Financial Counseling
Call (877) 326-9155 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above 300% FPL, incomplete documentation, lack of Michigan residency proof, or failure to cooperate with Medicaid screening.
2. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Double-check that the form is signed, all fields are complete, and supporting documents are attached.
3. Request an Itemized Bill Review
Even if you do not qualify for MSupport, request an itemized bill and review it for errors, duplicate charges, or services you did not receive. Billing errors at large academic medical centers are more common than many patients realize.
4. Explore Other Options
- Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid): Covers residents up to 138% FPL with ongoing benefits
- Payment plans: Michigan Medicine offers interest-free installment arrangements
- Negotiate directly: Call billing and ask about reduced rates or settlement offers
- Good faith estimate disputes: If uninsured and your bill exceeds the estimate by $400+, dispute through the federal process
- External assistance programs: Organizations like Dollar For can help advocate on your behalf
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Michigan Medicine bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Patient Financial Counseling
Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Online & In Person
Official Policy Documents
- Financial Assistance Main Page
- Plain Language Summary of Financial Assistance Policy (PDF)
- Full Financial Assistance Policy (PDF)
Applications and policy documents may be available in other languages. Call (877) 326-9155 for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for University of Michigan Health financial assistance?
Michigan residents with household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$47,880/yr for a single person) qualify for 100% free care through the MSupport program. Both uninsured and underinsured patients are eligible. You must receive medically necessary services at Michigan Medicine facilities.
Does C.S. Mott Children's Hospital offer financial assistance?
Yes. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital is part of University of Michigan Health and is covered under the same MSupport financial assistance program. The same eligibility criteria apply: Michigan residency and household income at or below 300% FPL. Pediatric patients receive the same financial assistance benefits as adults.
What is the difference between MSupport and the Healthy Michigan Plan?
MSupport is Michigan Medicine's hospital-specific financial assistance program that writes off bills for eligible patients. The Healthy Michigan Plan is Michigan's Medicaid expansion program that provides ongoing health insurance coverage for adults up to 138% FPL. If you qualify for the Healthy Michigan Plan, financial counselors will help you enroll, as it provides broader coverage for future care.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 240 days from the date of your first billing statement to submit a complete MSupport application. Michigan Medicine will provide a written decision within 30 days of receiving your completed application. Do not ignore bills while waiting to apply.
Can I get help if I have insurance but high out-of-pocket costs?
Yes. The MSupport program assists both uninsured and underinsured patients. If you have insurance but still face high out-of-pocket costs (copays, deductibles, coinsurance), you may qualify for assistance if your household income is at or below 300% FPL. Contact Patient Financial Counseling to discuss your situation.
Is U-M Health-West (Grand Rapids) covered under the same program?
No. University of Michigan Health-West (formerly Metro Health, located in Grand Rapids) has its own separate financial assistance program with different eligibility criteria. If you received care at U-M Health-West, contact their billing department directly at (616) 252-7200.
Need Help with Your Michigan Medicine Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Michigan Medicine on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Start Your Free Case ReviewRelated Resources
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available University of Michigan Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Michigan Medicine Patient Financial Counseling at (877) 326-9155 or visit uofmhealth.org.