Home › How to apply for hospital charity care, step by step
How to apply for hospital charity care, step by step
Charity care is free or discounted hospital care for patients who can't afford their bills. Every California hospital must offer it. Here's exactly how to apply — and what to have ready.
Step 1: Check if you qualify
Charity care and discounts are based mainly on your household income and size. Under California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act, hospitals must offer free care to the lowest-income patients and discounted care to patients with income up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Being uninsured or having unusually high medical bills relative to your income can also qualify you. Each hospital sets its own income limits within the law — Cobijo shows you the exact limit for your hospital.
Step 2: Ask for the application
Call the hospital's billing or financial-assistance office (sometimes called patient financial services) and say you'd like to apply for financial assistance, or charity care, for a hospital bill. Ask them to send you the application form and a list of the documents they need. Hospitals are required to give you a written application and a plain-language summary of their policy, and to help you if you ask.
Step 3: Gather your documents
Most hospitals ask for proof of income and household size. Common documents include recent pay stubs, a tax return or W-2, a bank statement, or a written statement if you have no income. You generally do not need to prove immigration status to get charity care, and applying will not affect your immigration case. If you're missing a document, ask — many hospitals accept a signed statement.
Step 4: Submit and follow up
Send the completed application and documents to the address or email the hospital gives you, and keep a copy of everything. Ask for written confirmation that they received it and when you'll hear back. If you're denied, you can ask why in writing and appeal. You can apply even if the bill already went to collections.
Documents you may need
- Recent pay stubs (usually the last 1–3 months).
- Last year's tax return or W-2, if you have one.
- A recent bank statement.
- Proof of household size (for example, a tax return listing dependents).
- A short written statement if you have little or no income.
Not sure where to start?
Cobijo shows your hospital's exact income limits and writes your request letter — free, in your language.
Check if you qualify →Cobijo Health gives you information, not legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Results are estimates based on what you enter and public hospital policies — they are not a decision or a guarantee. Only the hospital can decide if you qualify. Cobijo is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any hospital.
cobijohealth.org