UCSF Medical Center Charity Care & Financial Assistance
UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, California maintains a financial assistance (charity care) policy. FairVisitHealth has not verified a single published free-care income threshold for this hospital because its policy documents reference more than one figure, but patients with limited income may still qualify for free or discounted care. The hospital's Financial Assistance Policy makes the final determination.
Who qualifies for free or discounted care at UCSF Medical Center?
Households earning up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $31,920 a year for a household of 1; larger households have higher limits) may qualify for free or discounted care under the policy on file, reviewed Aug 2026.
Note: this hospital's policy notes also reference 400% FPL (about $63,840 a year for a household of 1). We show both figures rather than the lower one. Confirm the current threshold with the hospital before deciding not to apply.
| Household size | 100% FPL |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $33,000 |
How to apply for financial assistance at UCSF Medical Center
Federal rules (IRS Section 501(r)) require nonprofit hospitals to accept financial assistance applications for at least 240 days after the first billing statement.
Decisions typically take about 30 days.
No online application? Call the hospital's billing office and ask for a financial assistance (charity care) application. Nonprofit hospitals are required to make their policy available on request.
Documents you may need
UCSF Medical Center asks applicants for:
- Proof of income
- Government-issued ID
- Recent tax return
- Bank statements (3 months)
- W-2 forms
Your rights under IRS Section 501(r)
Because nonprofit hospitals are tax-exempt, IRS Section 501(r) requires each one to maintain a written Financial Assistance Policy, make it publicly available, limit charges for FAP-eligible patients to the amounts generally billed to insured patients, and hold off on extraordinary collection actions while an application window (at least 240 days from the first billing statement) is open. 501(r) does not set a specific income threshold; each hospital's own policy does.
California law: Hospital Fair Pricing Act (Cal. Health & Safety Code Sec.127400 et seq. (AB 1020, 2021)) requires discounted care up to 400% FPL, applying to all hospitals (limited exceptions). Last verified 2026-07-10. Read the statute.
Frequently asked questions
How do you apply for financial assistance at UCSF Medical Center?
To apply, review the Financial Assistance Policy linked from this page, then call the billing or patient financial services office at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, CA and ask for the Financial Assistance Policy and application by name. Applying costs nothing, and the hospital's Financial Assistance Policy makes the final determination.
What documents does UCSF Medical Center require for a financial assistance application?
UCSF Medical Center asks applicants for: Proof of income, Government-issued ID, Recent tax return, Bank statements (3 months), W-2 forms. Submitting complete documents speeds up review, and the hospital's Financial Assistance Policy makes the final determination.
How long do you have to apply for financial assistance at UCSF Medical Center?
Under IRS Section 501(r), nonprofit hospitals must accept financial assistance applications for at least 240 days after the first billing statement, maintain a written Financial Assistance Policy, and make it available on request. You can apply within that window even after a bill goes to collections; the hospital's Financial Assistance Policy makes the final determination.
Check whether your household may qualify with the free charity care eligibility checker, read the complete charity care guide, or browse all California hospital policies on file.
This page is informational, not legal or medical advice. Eligibility for financial assistance is determined solely by the hospital under its own Financial Assistance Policy. Policy details last reviewed Aug 2026.