VCU Medical Center Financial Assistance: Free Care Below 200% FPL + Charity Care Discounts to 400% FPL (2026 Guide)
VCU Medical Center (formerly MCV Hospitals) is the only comprehensive Level I trauma center in the Richmond, Virginia region, verified in adult, pediatric, and burn care. As a state-affiliated academic medical center within Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, VCU participates in Virginia's State-Sponsored Indigent Care Program, providing free care to patients below 100% FPL and sliding-scale discounts to 200% FPL. VCU Health also offers its own Charity Care program with discounts extending to 400% FPL for self-pay patients. Because VCU is the region's only Level I trauma center, many patients have no choice in where they are treated, making financial assistance especially critical.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care (Indigent Care)
Virginia's Indigent Care Program: free care below 100% FPL (~$15,960/yr single), sliding discounts at 100-200% FPL (~$31,920/yr)
Charity Care to 400% FPL
VCU Health's own Charity Care program provides discounts for patients up to 400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single), plus self-pay and prompt-pay discounts
365-Day Application Window
One of the longest application windows in Virginia. You have a full year from the date of service to apply for financial assistance.
Collection Reforms (2019)
VCU pledged to end routine lawsuits, wage garnishment, and home liens against patients in September 2019 after a KFF Health News investigation.
Only Level I Trauma Center in Richmond
VCU Medical Center is verified by the American College of Surgeons in adult, pediatric, and burn trauma care. Because trauma patients rarely choose their hospital, VCU has an elevated responsibility to provide accessible financial assistance. If you were brought to VCU by ambulance for an emergency, you are still eligible for financial assistance after the fact.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Program / Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-100% FPL | Up to ~$15,960/yr | 100% Free Care (VA Indigent Care Program) |
| 101-200% FPL | ~$15,961 - ~$31,920/yr | Sliding-scale discount (VA Indigent Care Program) |
| 201-400% FPL | ~$31,921 - ~$63,840/yr | VCU Charity Care discount (percentage varies by income) |
| Above 400% FPL | Above ~$63,840/yr | Self-pay and prompt-pay discounts may still apply |
Important Notes
- VCU has two separate programs: Virginia's State-Sponsored Indigent Care (0-200% FPL) and VCU's own Charity Care (up to 400% FPL). Financial counselors will screen you for both.
- Both insured and uninsured patients may qualify for financial assistance.
- Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, covering adults up to 138% FPL (~$22,025/yr single). Uninsured patients should apply for Medicaid first.
- VCU will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- The 365-day application window starts from the date of service, giving you a full year to apply.
- Emergency and trauma patients who had no choice of hospital are explicitly eligible for financial assistance.
Virginia Context: Collection History and Reforms
VCU's Collection History (Important Background)
A 2019 KFF Health News investigation found that VCU Health had filed 36,000 lawsuits against patients over six years, seeking more than $106 million in unpaid bills. VCU's physician group (MCV Physicians) filed an additional 56,000 lawsuits over seven years. The practices included wage garnishment and liens on patients' homes, many targeting lower-income workers.
What Changed in 2019
- VCU pledged to end routine lawsuits against patients for unpaid bills
- VCU halted wage garnishments and home liens
- VCU canceled claims resulting from old lawsuits and judgments
- VCU expanded financial assistance eligibility and boosted outreach
Ongoing Concerns (2026)
A 2026 report from Stanford and George Washington universities found that Virginia hospitals (including VCU) filed more than 1 million medical debt lawsuits since 2010. Between January 2018 and July 2020, VCU filed 17,806 court actions against patients, the most of any institution in the study. VCU has said it is evaluating the data while raising concerns about its accuracy. Patients should remain vigilant and apply for financial assistance proactively.
Virginia Medicaid Expansion (2019)
Virginia expanded Medicaid in January 2019, covering adults with income up to 138% FPL (~$22,025/yr single). Over 600,000 Virginians have enrolled. If you are uninsured and earn below this threshold, apply for Virginia Medicaid through Cover Virginia (coverva.org) or call 1-855-242-8282. VCU requires uninsured patients to cooperate with Medicaid screening as part of the financial assistance process.
Why this matters: Because VCU has a documented history of aggressive collection practices, it is critical to apply for financial assistance promptly and keep records of all communications. The 365-day application window gives you time, but earlier is always better.
VCU Health Facilities
Main Campus
Community Hospitals and Clinics
VCU Health's Financial Assistance Policy applies to all VCU Health System hospitals and clinics. MCV Physicians (the physician practice group) may have separate billing. Community Memorial Hospital and Tappahannock Hospital have their own financial assistance policies with similar but not identical terms. Always confirm coverage when scheduling.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income documentation
- Income for all household members
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Virginia residency
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Completed VCU Health Financial Assistance Application
- Bank statements (may be requested for asset review)
Important: VCU Health evaluates eligibility based on both income and assets. Incomplete applications can delay or prevent approval. Gather all documents before starting the application process. If you are missing documents, call 804-828-0966 to discuss alternatives.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
100% free care below 100% FPL (~$15,960/yr single) through Virginia's Indigent Care Program. Sliding discounts at 100-200% FPL. VCU Charity Care discounts to 400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single).
Contact VCU Health Financial Counseling
Call 804-828-0966, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM EST. A financial counselor will screen you for Medicaid, FAMIS (children's health insurance), Indigent Care, and Charity Care programs. For billing questions, call 888-803-0082.
Complete the Application
Request the VCU Health Financial Assistance Application by phone or download it from vcuhealth.org. Fill out completely with household income, family size, and asset information.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- Mail: VCU Health System, Financial Counseling, P.O. Box 980249, Richmond, VA 23298
- In person: Financial counseling office at VCU Medical Center
- Fax: Contact Financial Counseling at 804-828-0966 for the current fax number
Follow Up
Call 804-828-0966 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit. VCU will notify you in writing of the determination.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Waiting too long: You have 365 days, but apply as soon as possible. Earlier applications are processed faster and prevent collection activity.
- Incomplete application: VCU evaluates both income and assets. Missing bank statements or household member income can cause delays.
- Skipping Medicaid screening: Uninsured patients must cooperate with Medicaid screening. If you qualify for Medicaid, it covers more than charity care.
- Forgetting MCV Physicians: VCU Medical Center and MCV Physicians bill separately. You may need to apply for financial assistance with each entity.
- Not mentioning trauma/emergency: If you were brought to VCU by ambulance or had no choice of hospital, mention this explicitly on your application.
- Ignoring old judgments: If you have old VCU debt from before 2019, ask about whether those judgments have been vacated under VCU's reformed policies.
Struggling with a VCU Medical Center Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your VCU bill for errors, identify financial assistance you may be missing, and negotiate directly with VCU Health on your behalf. No upfront cost.
Get Help with Your VCU BillPayment Plans
Interest-Free Payment Plans
- VCU Health offers interest-free payment plans for patients who do not qualify for full financial assistance
- Plans can be set up by calling the billing line at 888-803-0082
- Monthly payment amounts are based on your balance and ability to pay
- Financial counselors can help determine a manageable payment arrangement
Self-Pay and Prompt-Pay Discounts
- Uninsured patients may receive a self-pay discount on charges
- Prompt payment discounts may be available for paying in full within a specified timeframe
- These discounts are separate from the Indigent Care and Charity Care programs
- Ask about these options when you call, especially if your income is above 400% FPL
Collection Practices: What to Know
The 2019 Reforms
- VCU pledged to end routine lawsuits against patients for unpaid bills (September 2019)
- VCU halted wage garnishments and stopped placing liens on homes
- VCU canceled claims from old lawsuits and judgments
- These changes came after a KFF Health News investigation revealed 36,000+ patient lawsuits
What Still Happens
- Unpaid accounts may still be placed with collection agencies after billing attempts
- A 2026 report raised questions about whether all aggressive practices have truly stopped
- Collection agencies will contact you on VCU's behalf to resolve the balance
Given VCU's collection history, apply for financial assistance immediately. Do not assume reforms protect you automatically. Keep written records of all communications and application submissions.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Ask Why and Reapply
Call 804-828-0966 to learn the specific reason for denial. Common reasons include income or assets above the threshold, incomplete documentation, or not cooperating with Medicaid screening. You can reapply with corrected or additional documentation within the 365-day window.
2. Ask About Both Programs Separately
If you are denied for the Virginia Indigent Care Program (income above 200% FPL), you may still qualify for VCU's Charity Care program (up to 400% FPL). These are separate programs with different criteria. Make sure your financial counselor evaluates you for both.
3. Explore Other Options
- Virginia Medicaid: Covers adults up to 138% FPL (expanded in 2019) via Cover Virginia
- FAMIS: Free or low-cost health coverage for children and pregnant women
- Payment plans: Interest-free options available for qualifying patients
- Self-pay discount: Ask about uninsured discount rates separate from FA
- Request an itemized bill: Review all charges for errors or duplicate billing
- Dollar For: Nonprofit that helps patients apply for charity care (dollarfor.org)
- Virginia Legal Aid: Free legal help for low-income patients facing medical debt collection
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your VCU 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
Financial Counseling: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
Mail & Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for VCU Medical Center financial assistance?
Patients below 100% FPL (~$15,960/yr single) qualify for 100% free care through Virginia's Indigent Care Program. Patients at 100-200% FPL get sliding-scale discounts. VCU's Charity Care program extends discounts up to 400% FPL. Self-pay and prompt-pay discounts may be available at any income level.
Does VCU Health still sue patients for unpaid bills?
VCU pledged in September 2019 to end routine lawsuits, wage garnishments, and home liens against patients. However, a 2026 report raised concerns about ongoing collection practices at Virginia hospitals. Apply for financial assistance proactively and keep records of all communications.
How long do I have to apply for financial assistance?
VCU Health allows 365 days (one full year) from the date of service to apply for financial assistance. This is one of the longest windows among Virginia hospitals. However, applying early is recommended to prevent collection activity.
What is the difference between Indigent Care and Charity Care at VCU?
Indigent Care is a Virginia state-sponsored program covering patients below 200% FPL (with 100% free care below 100% FPL). Charity Care is VCU's own program extending discounts to 400% FPL. Financial counselors screen you for both programs automatically.
Can I get help with my VCU bill if I have insurance?
Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients may qualify for financial assistance. Insured patients can receive help with out-of-pocket costs including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after insurance has paid its portion.
I was brought to VCU by ambulance. Can I still get financial assistance?
Yes. Emergency and trauma patients who had no choice of hospital are explicitly eligible for financial assistance. As the only Level I trauma center in Richmond, VCU regularly treats patients who did not choose to come there. Apply for financial assistance after your treatment, within the 365-day window.
Need Help with Your VCU Medical Center Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with VCU Health 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 VCU Health System financial assistance policies and public reporting as of 2025. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with VCU Health at 804-828-0966 or 888-803-0082, or visit vcuhealth.org.