UCSF Medical Center financial assistance: the complete 2026 guide
UCSF Medical Center is the academic medical center of the University of California, San Francisco — one of the top-ranked research and care institutions in the country. Like all California nonprofit hospitals, UCSF is covered by the state's Hospital Fair Billing Act, providing free care up to 350% FPL and discounts to 600% FPL with no asset testing. This guide covers UCSF's financial assistance process for 2026.
Quick facts: UCSF Medical Center
Type: Public/nonprofit academic medical center (UC system)
Location: San Francisco, CA
Free care threshold: 350% FPL (California law)
Discount threshold: Up to 600% FPL (California law)
Apply online: ucsfhealth.org/billing/financial-assistance
Apply by phone: 1-415-514-6820 (UCSF Patient Financial Services)
What you need to know about UCSF Medical Center's financial assistance program
Full California protections
UCSF is covered by California's Hospital Fair Billing Act — free care up to 350% FPL, discounts to 600% FPL, no asset testing.
Parnassus, Mission Bay, Mount Zion
UCSF operates multiple hospital campuses in San Francisco — the financial assistance policy applies across all UCSF Medical Center facilities.
Income only
California law prohibits hospitals from considering assets. Only your household income determines eligibility.
Apply for Medi-Cal first
UCSF, like all California hospitals, will screen you for Medi-Cal eligibility before or alongside your charity care application. If you qualify for Medi-Cal, it typically covers your bills more comprehensively.
2026 income limits for UCSF Medical Center financial assistance
The table below shows the 2026 federal poverty levels and what they typically mean for UCSF Medical Center financial assistance eligibility. Always verify current thresholds in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy at ucsfhealth.org/billing/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 UCSF Medical Center is approximately 350% FPL (California law). Sliding-scale discounts are available up to approximately Up to 600% FPL (California law). Confirm the exact current tiers in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy before applying.
How to apply for financial assistance at UCSF Medical Center
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Request an itemized bill first
Before applying, call UCSF Patient Financial Services at 1-415-514-6820 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 UCSF Medical Center's Financial Assistance Policy from ucsfhealth.org/billing/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 UCSF Medical Center 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 1-415-514-6820 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 UCSF Medical Center require?
Most UCSF Medical Center financial assistance applications require the following documentation. The hospital's current Financial Assistance Policy at ucsfhealth.org/billing/financial-assistance is the authoritative list — confirm requirements before submitting.
- UCSF Medical Center Financial Assistance Application
- Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040)
- Recent pay stubs or bank statements (last 2–3 months)
- Medi-Cal determination letter if applicable
- Government benefit award letters
- If self-employed: business bank statements or profit/loss statement
- If no income: signed self-attestation letter
Experienced with non-traditional income — gig workers, self-employed
UCSF is a major safety-net provider for the San Francisco Bay Area, treating a high proportion of uninsured and Medi-Cal patients. Its financial counseling team is experienced with complex financial situations including gig workers, self-employed patients, and patients with irregular income. If your income is hard to document in standard pay stubs, UCSF's counselors are generally equipped to work with alternative documentation.
Where this page's information comes from
- 1.UCSF Medical Center Financial Assistance — www.ucsfhealth.org
- 2.California Hospital Fair Billing Act — HCAI — hcai.ca.gov
- 3.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 UCSF Medical Center's financial assistance office before submitting an application.