Cleveland Clinic financial assistance: the complete 2026 guide
Cleveland Clinic is one of the most respected academic medical centers in the United States — and it has a substantial financial assistance program that goes beyond the federal minimum. Ohio residents have access to the state's Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) for free care at or below 100% FPL, while the Cleveland Clinic's own financial assistance program extends discounts to uninsured patients up to 400% FPL. This guide covers both programs for 2026.
Quick facts: Cleveland Clinic
Type: Nonprofit academic medical center
Location: Cleveland, OH (also FL and other locations)
Free care threshold: 100% FPL (HCAP) / broader under main program
Discount threshold: Up to 400% FPL (uninsured)
Apply online: my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/billing-finance/financial-assistance
Apply by phone: 1-866-621-6385 (Cleveland Clinic Customer Service)
What you need to know about Cleveland Clinic's financial assistance program
Free care at 100% FPL
Ohio's Hospital Care Assurance Program provides free basic medically necessary care to Ohio residents at or below 100% FPL. Cleveland Clinic participates in HCAP.
Up to 400% FPL for uninsured
Uninsured patients with income at or below 400% FPL are eligible for Cleveland Clinic's main financial assistance program.
Balance over 25% of income
Even patients above the standard threshold may qualify if their Cleveland Clinic bill exceeds 25% of their annual family income — a strong medical hardship provision.
In-network only
Insured patients are only eligible for financial assistance if Cleveland Clinic is in-network with their insurance and their benefits have been exhausted or the services are emergency care.
2026 income limits for Cleveland Clinic financial assistance
The table below shows the 2026 federal poverty levels and what they typically mean for Cleveland Clinic financial assistance eligibility. Always verify current thresholds in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy at my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/billing-finance/financial-assistance — policies are updated at least annually.
| Household size | 100% FPL | 200% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $31,920 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $21,600 | $43,200 | $64,800 | $86,400 |
| 3 people | $27,240 | $54,480 | $81,720 | $108,960 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $66,000 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 people | $38,640 | $77,280 | $115,920 | $154,560 |
| 6 people | $44,280 | $88,560 | $132,840 | $177,120 |
The free care threshold at Cleveland Clinic is approximately 100% FPL (HCAP) / broader under main program. Sliding-scale discounts are available up to approximately Up to 400% FPL (uninsured). Confirm the exact current tiers in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy before applying.
How to apply for financial assistance at Cleveland Clinic
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Request an itemized bill first
Before applying, call Cleveland Clinic Customer Service at 1-866-621-6385 and request a fully itemized statement of your charges. Review it carefully for errors — duplicate charges, services you didn't receive, or billing code mistakes are common. Correcting errors before applying means you're negotiating from the correct baseline.
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Find and read the Financial Assistance Policy
Download Cleveland Clinic's Financial Assistance Policy from my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/billing-finance/financial-assistance. Read the income tiers and documentation requirements before filling out the application — knowing exactly what's needed makes the process faster and reduces the chance of a denial for missing documentation.
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Complete the application
Download or request the financial assistance application from the same page, or ask for it at any Cleveland Clinic admissions or billing office. The application is free. Complete every section — incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays or initial denials.
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Gather your documentation
Assemble all the documents listed in the section below. Keep copies of everything you submit. If submitting by mail, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery and a submission date.
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Submit and follow up
Submit the completed application with all supporting documents. Call 1-866-621-6385 after 2–3 weeks to confirm receipt and get a case reference number. Ask how long processing typically takes and when you can expect a written determination.
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Appeal if denied
If your application is denied, request the specific reason in writing and submit a formal written appeal with any additional or corrected documentation. See our full guide to appealing a denied charity care application for step-by-step instructions.
What documents does Cleveland Clinic require?
Most Cleveland Clinic financial assistance applications require the following documentation. The hospital's current Financial Assistance Policy at my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/billing-finance/financial-assistance is the authoritative list — confirm requirements before submitting.
- Completed Cleveland Clinic Financial Assistance Application
- Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040)
- Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months)
- Bank statements (checking and savings)
- Government benefit award letters if applicable
- For HCAP: Ohio residency documentation
- If no income: a signed self-attestation letter
Bill over 25% of income = automatic eligibility review
Cleveland Clinic's catastrophic balance provision is one of the most patient-friendly in the country: if your total Cleveland Clinic bill from a single episode of care exceeds 25% of your annual family income, you are eligible for financial assistance — even if your income is above 400% FPL. This is a separate pathway that many patients don't know about.
Where this page's information comes from
- 1.Cleveland Clinic Financial Assistance — my.clevelandclinic.org — my.clevelandclinic.org
- 2.Cleveland Clinic Financial Assistance Policy (PDF, Rev. 1/1/26) — my.clevelandclinic.org
- 3.Ohio HCAP — Hospital Care Assurance Program — my.clevelandclinic.org
- 4.IRS Section 501(r) — Requirements for Nonprofit Hospitals — www.irs.gov
Verify with the hospital directly
Hospital financial assistance policies change at least annually and sometimes more frequently. Income thresholds, required documentation, and application processes may have changed since this page was last reviewed. Always confirm current details directly with Cleveland Clinic's financial assistance office before submitting an application.