Mayo Clinic financial assistance: the complete 2026 guide
Mayo Clinic is one of the most respected nonprofit hospital systems in the world — and it maintains a genuine financial assistance program that provides free care to lower-income patients and meaningful discounts to those up to 400% of the federal poverty level. This page compiles everything you need to know about Mayo Clinic's financial assistance policy for 2026: who qualifies, what the income limits are, how to apply, and what to do if you're denied.
Quick facts: Mayo Clinic
Type: Nonprofit academic medical center
Location: Rochester, MN (also AZ and FL)
Free care threshold: 200% FPL
Discount threshold: Up to 400% FPL
Apply online: mayoclinic.org/billing-insurance/financial-assistance
Apply by phone: 1-844-217-9591 (Patient Account Services)
What you need to know about Mayo Clinic's financial assistance program
200% FPL
Patients with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level receive 100% free care for emergency and medically necessary services.
Up to 400% FPL
Patients between 201% and 400% FPL receive an average 50% discount. Individual site policies may extend discounts above 400% FPL.
Yes — income AND assets
Mayo Clinic considers both household income and assets (savings, investments, real property) in its evaluation — unlike some hospitals that consider only income.
AZ, FL, MN + Health System sites
The main financial assistance policy covers Rochester MN, Phoenix AZ, and Jacksonville FL campuses. Mayo Clinic Health System community sites use a separate policy at mayoclinichealthsystem.org/financial-assistance.
2026 income limits for Mayo Clinic financial assistance
The table below shows the 2026 federal poverty levels and what they typically mean for Mayo Clinic financial assistance eligibility. Always verify current thresholds in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy at mayoclinic.org/billing-insurance/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 Mayo Clinic is approximately 200% FPL. Sliding-scale discounts are available up to approximately Up to 400% FPL. Confirm the exact current tiers in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy before applying.
How to apply for financial assistance at Mayo Clinic
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Request an itemized bill first
Before applying, call Patient Account Services at 1-844-217-9591 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 Mayo Clinic's Financial Assistance Policy from mayoclinic.org/billing-insurance/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 Mayo 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 1-844-217-9591 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 Mayo Clinic require?
Most Mayo Clinic financial assistance applications require the following documentation. The hospital's current Financial Assistance Policy at mayoclinic.org/billing-insurance/financial-assistance is the authoritative list — confirm requirements before submitting.
- Completed Mayo Clinic Financial Assistance Application
- Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) for all household members
- Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months) for all working household members
- Bank statements (savings and checking) for last 2–3 months
- Investment and retirement account statements
- Government benefit award letters (Social Security, disability, SNAP)
- If self-employed: most recent Schedule C or business bank statements
- If no income: a signed self-attestation letter
Assets are considered — not just income
Mayo Clinic considers both income AND assets — savings accounts, investments, and real property are part of the evaluation. This is different from many hospitals that only consider income. If you have significant assets but low income, be prepared to explain your full financial picture.
Where this page's information comes from
- 1.Mayo Clinic Financial Assistance — mayoclinic.org — www.mayoclinic.org
- 2.Mayo Clinic Financial Assistance Policy (PDF) — Minnesota campus — mcforms.mayo.edu
- 3.Mayo Clinic Plain Language FAP Summary (PDF) — mcforms.mayo.edu
- 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 Mayo Clinic's financial assistance office before submitting an application.