University of Utah Health Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL (2026 Guide)
University of Utah Health, the state's only academic medical center and Level 1 trauma center, offers 100% free care for patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and discounted care up to 300% FPL. That means a family of 4 earning up to $66,000 per year qualifies for a full write-off. The policy covers University of Utah Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, and all affiliated clinics. Because U of U Health is a state entity, unpaid bills go to the Office of State Debt Collection, which can intercept your state tax refund without a lawsuit. This makes applying for financial assistance especially urgent.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care (0-200% FPL)
Full write-off for patients with household income at or below 200% FPL. Emergency and medically necessary services are covered.
Discounted Care (201-300% FPL)
Sliding scale discounts for patients between 200% and 300% FPL. A family of 4 earning up to $99,120/year may qualify for reduced bills.
Academic Medical Center + Clinics
Covers University Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Moran Eye Center, and all U of U Health clinics across the Wasatch Front.
240-Day Application Window
You have 240 days from your first billing statement to submit your application. The hospital must consider it even if the account is already in state collections.
State Entity: Tax Refund Interception Risk
Unlike private hospitals that must sue you in court, U of U Health sends unpaid accounts to the Utah Office of State Debt Collection. This office can intercept your state tax refund without a court judgment. Apply for financial assistance before your account reaches this stage.
Eligibility Calculator (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
100% Free Care: Household of 1 earning at or below $31,920/year (200% FPL).
Discounted Care: Household of 1 earning between $31,920 and $47,880/year (201-300% FPL).
100% FPL for household of 1 = $15,960 | 200% FPL = $31,920 | 300% FPL = $47,880
| Household Size | 200% FPL (Free Care) | 300% FPL (Discount Max) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $31,920/yr | $47,880/yr |
| 2 people | $43,280/yr | $64,920/yr |
| 3 people | $54,640/yr | $81,960/yr |
| 4 people | $66,000/yr | $99,000/yr |
| 5 people | $77,360/yr | $116,040/yr |
| 6 people | $88,720/yr | $133,080/yr |
| 7 people | $100,080/yr | $150,120/yr |
| 8 people | $111,440/yr | $167,160/yr |
Additional Eligibility Details
- Emergency and medically necessary services: Financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary care only.
- Insurance screening: Uninsured patients may be asked to apply for Medicaid or Marketplace coverage first.
- No strict citizenship requirement: Applications are available in 13 languages. Do not let immigration status prevent you from applying.
- Hardship exceptions: Patients with income above 300% FPL may still qualify if they can demonstrate extraordinary medical expenses or financial hardship.
- Apply within 240 days of your first billing statement.
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Get Help with Your BillCovered Facilities
Major Hospitals and Institutes
Clinics and Outpatient Facilities
The financial assistance policy applies to all facilities billing under University of Utah Health. Contact Patient Billing at (801) 587-6303 to confirm coverage for your specific location.
Documents You Will Need
Required Documents
- Completed financial assistance application form
- Letter explaining your financial circumstances
- Recent bank statement (checking and/or savings)
- Previous year's tax return
- 2 months of recent pay stubs or other income documentation
Helpful Additions
- Proof of household size (lease, utility bill)
- Benefit award letters (SSI, SSDI, unemployment)
- Denial letter from Medicaid (if applicable)
- Documentation of extraordinary medical expenses
- Government-issued photo ID
Tip: The "letter explaining your financial circumstances" requirement is unique to U of U Health. Keep it brief (1 page) and include specific details: job loss dates, medical conditions affecting your ability to work, number of dependents, and other debts. A strong letter can make a difference in borderline cases.
13 Languages Available: Applications and policy summaries are available in Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Nepali, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese. Request your preferred language when calling.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
You qualify for 100% free care if your household income is at or below 200% FPL. For a single person, that is approximately $31,920/year. For a family of 4, approximately $66,000/year. Discounted care is available up to 300% FPL ($99,120/year for a family of 4).
Gather Your Documents
Collect your previous year's tax return, 2 months of pay stubs, a recent bank statement, and write a brief letter explaining your financial situation. Download the application from healthcare.utah.edu/bill/financial-assistance or request one by phone.
Submit Your Application
You can submit through multiple channels:
- MyChart: Submit directly through your patient portal
- Phone: (801) 587-6303 or toll-free (800) 862-4937
- Financial Advocate: (801) 581-2957
- Email: billing@healthcare.utah.edu
- In person: 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
Follow Up Within 30 Days
Call (801) 587-6303 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. If you submitted through MyChart, check your messages for updates. Ask for a confirmation number or written acknowledgment of your application.
Request Account Hold
Ask that your account be placed on hold while your application is under review. This prevents the account from being sent to the Office of State Debt Collection during processing. Get this confirmation in writing if possible.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the 240-day deadline: The clock starts from your first billing statement, not your date of service. Track this date carefully.
- Skipping the letter: The personal letter is required. Without it, your application may be considered incomplete and delayed.
- Ignoring bills while waiting: Contact billing to confirm your account is on hold. Otherwise it may be referred to state debt collection during the review period.
- Not requesting all languages: If English is not your first language, request forms in your preferred language. Applications are available in 13 languages.
- Forgetting to include all income: Report all household income sources. Omissions discovered later can result in denial.
Important Notes: State Debt Collection and Utah Protections
State Debt Collection (Unique to U of U Health)
- Because U of U Health is a state entity, unpaid accounts go to the Utah Office of State Debt Collection (OSDC), not a private collection agency.
- OSDC can intercept your Utah state tax refund without filing a lawsuit or obtaining a court judgment.
- Accounts are typically referred to OSDC after 120 days of non-payment.
- Once referred, OSDC adds administrative fees on top of your original balance.
- You will receive a notice before interception and have a right to a hearing, but the burden is on you to respond.
Utah Patient Protections (HB 204)
- Post-service billing: Utah law requires hospitals to provide an itemized statement within 30 days of request.
- Financial assistance notice: Hospitals must include information about financial assistance on billing statements.
- Collection restrictions: Hospitals cannot report to credit bureaus or send to collections until at least 45 days after the first billing statement.
- Payment plans: U of U Health offers interest-free payment plans. Request one to avoid state debt collection referral.
- Dispute rights: You can dispute a bill through U of U Health's billing dispute and appeals process at any time.
Why Timing Matters More Here
At most private hospitals, collection means a lawsuit, which takes months and requires court action. At U of U Health, the state can intercept your tax refund administratively after just 120 days of non-payment. This means you have a much shorter effective window to act. Apply for financial assistance or set up a payment plan within the first 60 days of receiving your bill to stay well ahead of the referral timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for University of Utah Health financial assistance?
Patients with household income at or below 200% FPL qualify for 100% free care. Patients between 200% and 300% FPL qualify for discounted care. For a single person, free care covers income up to $31,920/year. For a family of 4, up to $66,000/year. Discounted care extends to $99,120/year for a family of 4.
Can my tax refund really be taken for a hospital bill?
Yes. Because University of Utah Health is a state institution, unpaid bills are referred to the Utah Office of State Debt Collection, which has the authority to intercept your state tax refund. This is done administratively without a court judgment. You will receive a notice, but you must actively respond to challenge it. This process is unique to state-run hospitals in Utah.
Does Huntsman Cancer Institute have a separate financial assistance program?
Huntsman Cancer Institute operates under the same University of Utah Health financial assistance policy. However, Huntsman also has dedicated Financial Advocates at (801) 581-2957 who specialize in helping cancer patients find additional resources, including external programs like CancerCare and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Can I apply if I already have insurance?
Yes. Financial assistance can cover remaining balances after insurance pays its portion. If your copays, deductibles, or coinsurance create a financial hardship, you may still qualify. The income thresholds apply to your total household income regardless of insurance status.
What if I do not speak English?
University of Utah Health provides financial assistance applications and policy summaries in 13 languages: Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Nepali, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese. Request your preferred language when you call. Interpreter services are also available.
What happens if my application is denied?
If denied, request the specific reason in writing. Common reasons include incomplete documentation or income above the threshold. You can reapply with additional documentation, appeal the decision, or request a payment plan. U of U Health offers interest-free payment plans as an alternative. You can also contact Dollar For (dollarfor.org) for free assistance with appeals.
Contact Information
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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 University of Utah Health financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with University of Utah Health at (801) 587-6303 or visit healthcare.utah.edu/bill/financial-assistance. Because U of U Health is a state entity, debt collection practices differ from private hospitals. Consult with a consumer rights attorney if you receive a notice from the Office of State Debt Collection.