Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson Health System) financial assistance: the complete 2026 guide
Jackson Memorial Hospital is Miami-Dade County's public hospital and one of the largest public hospitals in the United States — owned and operated by the Miami-Dade Public Health Trust and supported by a half-cent county sales tax. As a public safety-net hospital, Jackson has one of the broadest access missions of any hospital in Florida: free care for patients under 200% FPL, discounts at 201–300% FPL, no immigration status requirement, and the ability to apply at any Jackson Health System location across Miami-Dade County.
Quick facts: Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson Health System)
Type: Public safety-net hospital (Miami-Dade County)
Location: Miami, FL (multiple Miami-Dade locations)
Free care threshold: 200% FPL
Discount threshold: 201%–300% FPL
Apply online: jhsmiami.org/patients-visitors/billing
Apply by phone: 1-305-585-1111 (Jackson Health Financial Counseling)
What you need to know about Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson Health System)'s financial assistance program
County-owned safety net
Jackson is owned by Miami-Dade County through the Public Health Trust — not a private nonprofit. As a public hospital, its mission explicitly includes serving patients regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.
Broadest access in Florida
Unlike many private hospitals, Jackson Health System provides financial assistance regardless of immigration status — consistent with its public hospital mission.
Ryder Trauma Center
Jackson Memorial operates the Ryder Trauma Center — the only Level I adult and pediatric trauma center in Miami-Dade County. Trauma care is covered by the financial assistance program for qualifying patients.
Jackson South, North, West, Holtz Children's
The financial assistance program applies across all Jackson Health System facilities, including Jackson South, North, West, Holtz Children's, and primary care centers.
2026 income limits for Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson Health System) financial assistance
The table below shows 2026 federal poverty levels across common household sizes. The free-care threshold at Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson Health System) is approximately 200% FPL and discount eligibility extends to approximately 201%–300% FPL. Always confirm current thresholds in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy before applying.
| Household size | 100% FPL | 200% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL | 500% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $31,920 | $47,880 | $63,840 | $79,800 |
| 2 people | $21,600 | $43,200 | $64,800 | $86,400 | $108,000 |
| 3 people | $27,240 | $54,480 | $81,720 | $108,960 | $136,200 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $66,000 | $99,000 | $132,000 | $165,000 |
| 5 people | $38,640 | $77,280 | $115,920 | $154,560 | $193,200 |
| 6 people | $44,280 | $88,560 | $132,840 | $177,120 | $221,400 |
How to apply for financial assistance at Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson Health System)
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Request an itemized bill first
Before doing anything else, call Jackson Health Financial Counseling at 1-305-585-1111 and request a fully itemized statement of every charge on your bill. Review it carefully — billing errors are common. Correcting errors before applying means charity care is applied to the correct baseline amount.
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Read the Financial Assistance Policy
Download and read Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson Health System)'s Financial Assistance Policy at jhsmiami.org/patients-visitors/billing. Pay particular attention to the income tiers, documentation requirements, and appeal process before starting the application.
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Complete the application
Download the financial assistance application from the same page, or request a paper copy at any Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson Health System) admissions or billing office. Complete every section — incomplete applications are the most common reason for processing delays and initial denials.
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Gather your documentation
Collect all documents listed in the section below. Make photocopies of everything before submitting. If mailing, use certified mail with return receipt to create a dated delivery record.
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Submit and follow up
Submit your completed application and supporting documents. Follow up by phone after 2–3 weeks to confirm receipt, get a case reference number, and ask about the expected processing timeline.
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Appeal if denied
A denial is not final. Request the specific reason in writing and submit a formal written appeal with additional or corrected documentation. Read our complete guide to appealing a denied charity care application for a step-by-step process.
What Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson Health System) typically requires for a financial assistance application
- Jackson Health System Financial Assistance Application
- Proof of Miami-Dade County residency (utility bill, lease, ID)
- Most recent federal tax return or W-2s
- Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months)
- Government benefit award letters
- Bank statements if self-employed or income is irregular
- If no income: signed self-attestation (immigration documentation NOT required)
County-owned: escalate to your county commissioner if needed
As a county-owned public hospital, Jackson Health System is ultimately accountable to Miami-Dade County elected officials — not a private board. If you believe Jackson is improperly denying your financial assistance application, you have an additional escalation pathway beyond state regulators: you can contact your Miami-Dade County Commissioner's office directly. This accountability structure is unique among major hospitals and can be an effective escalation path.
Where this page's information comes from
- 1.Jackson Health System Billing and Financial Assistance — www.jhsmiami.org
- 2.Florida Agency for Health Care Administration — Charity Care — ahca.myflorida.com
- 3.IRS Section 501(r) — Requirements for Nonprofit Hospitals — www.irs.gov
Verify with the hospital directly
Hospital financial assistance policies are updated at least annually. Always confirm current income thresholds, required documentation, and the application process directly with Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson Health System)'s financial assistance office before submitting your application. This page was last reviewed July 2026.