California Hospital Free and Discount Payment Programs


If you are uninsured or have high healthcare costs, you may be eligible for free or discounted hospital care. This website will help you compare the eligibility requirements of different hospitals, so you can find out if you qualify for free or discounted care at a hospital near you.

California law (Assembly Bill 774, The Hospital Fair Pricing Act of 2006) requires every hospital to offer reduced rates to uninsured and underinsured patients that may have low or moderate income, and to provide policies that clearly state the qualifications for free care and discounted payments.
With some exceptions, you could qualify for free or discounted care if:

Your income is below 350% of the Federal Poverty Level
(currently about $38,115 per year for one person or about $78,225 per year for a family of four)

AND
You do not have health insurance of any kind, or you have health insurance or coverage, but your medical costs are more than 10% of your family’s income in the last year.

Some hospitals offer discounts to people with incomes higher than 350% of the Federal Poverty Level. You may still qualify for discounted pricing even if your income is higher than the maximum income level listed in the hospital's policy. Contact the hospital to determine if a discount is available.

Please note that rural hospitals may set eligibility standards below 350% of the Federal Poverty Level. It is important to read the hospital's policy and application to determine whether or not you qualify for the program.

The Federal Poverty Level (also known as the Federal Poverty Guidelines) is issued annually by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. The poverty guidelines are generally used for administrative purposes, such as determining financial eligibility for certain government programs.