Cleveland Clinic operates one of the most accessible hospital financial assistance programs in the country. If you are uninsured or underinsured and received care at Cleveland Clinic, you may qualify for free or deeply discounted treatment based on your household income and family size. As of 2026, patients earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for some level of assistance, and patients under 200% FPL can receive care at no cost.
Quick Answer: Cleveland Clinic's 2026 charity care program covers uninsured patients earning up to 400% FPL. Free care goes to those at or below 200% FPL (roughly $31,920 for a single person or $66,000 for a family of four). Partial discounts apply between 200% and 400% FPL. Apply by calling 855.831.1284 or downloading the application at my.clevelandclinic.org.
Before you pay a bill or set up a payment plan, it is worth checking whether you qualify. If you have already received a bill, you can upload it to the CoveredUSA Bill Analyzer to see whether charges are in range and whether you likely qualify for assistance based on your income.
Who Qualifies for Cleveland Clinic Financial Assistance
Cleveland Clinic's financial assistance program (sometimes called charity care) is available to patients who received emergency care or medically necessary services. The program is federally required under IRS Section 501(r) rules because Cleveland Clinic operates as a nonprofit hospital.
Eligibility is based primarily on your Annual Family Income compared to the Federal Poverty Level. Insured patients whose out-of-pocket costs create a financial hardship may also qualify, even if they have coverage.
Key eligibility criteria:
- You received emergency or medically necessary care at a Cleveland Clinic facility
- Your household income falls at or below 400% FPL (see table below)
- You are uninsured, or your insurance does not fully cover the services
- Ohio HCAP participants: Ohio residents at or below 100% FPL may qualify for free care specifically under the Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP), a separate Ohio program that Cleveland Clinic participates in
Cleveland Clinic requires all applicants to go through a Medicaid screening before charity care is granted. This is a federal compliance requirement. If you are eligible for Medicaid, the hospital will assist you in enrolling rather than applying charity care credits.
2026 Income Limits by Family Size
The thresholds below are based on the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines published by HHS ASPE. Free care applies to patients at or below 200% FPL. Sliding-scale discounts apply between 200% and 400% FPL.
| Family Size | 100% FPL | 200% FPL (Free Care Limit) | 400% FPL (Max Eligibility) |
|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $31,920 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $43,280 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $54,640 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $66,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $77,360 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $88,720 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $100,080 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $111,440 | $222,880 |
For families larger than 8, add $5,680 per additional person to calculate 100% FPL, then multiply by 2 for the free-care threshold and by 4 for the maximum eligibility threshold.
Note: 2026 FPL numbers are updated annually by HHS and may vary slightly from the figures listed here. Always confirm with Cleveland Clinic billing when you apply.
Discount Tiers: How Much Will You Save
Cleveland Clinic's assistance is not all-or-nothing. The discount you receive scales with your income.
0% to 200% FPL: Free care
Patients in this range pay nothing for covered emergency and medically necessary services. This is the core charity care tier.
200% to 400% FPL: Partial discount
Patients in this range receive a discount off the gross charge, with the discounted amount calculated as the "amount generally billed" (AGB) to insured patients. This figure is typically much lower than the standard list price (chargemaster rate). The closer your income is to 200% FPL, the larger the discount.
Above 400% FPL: No automatic discount
You may still be eligible for a financial hardship exception or a discounted payment plan. Contact the billing department directly to ask about your options.
Ohio HCAP program (Ohio residents only)
If you are an Ohio resident and your income is at or below 100% FPL, you qualify for free emergency and medically necessary hospital care under HCAP regardless of insurance status.
What Documents to Submit
Gathering the right paperwork upfront shortens the review process. Cleveland Clinic's financial assistance application requires:
-
Proof of income for all household members
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return (1040) or W-2 forms
- For self-employed: Schedule C or profit and loss statement
- If you have no income: a signed statement of zero income plus any benefit award letters (Social Security, unemployment, disability)
-
Proof of identity
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
-
Proof of Ohio residence (for HCAP or state-specific programs)
- Utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address
-
Insurance information or proof of uninsured status
- If insured: your insurance card and any explanation of benefits (EOB) showing what your plan denied or did not cover
- If uninsured: a signed statement that you have no coverage
-
The original hospital bill
- Include the account number from your Cleveland Clinic statement
-
Bank statements (last 3 months)
- These may be requested to verify financial hardship, particularly if your income is near or above the threshold
Cleveland Clinic accepts applications at any point in the billing process, including before you receive a final bill, after a bill has been sent, and even after a bill has gone to collections. There is no hard deadline for applying, but applying sooner means faster relief.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Request or download the application
The Financial Assistance Program Summary and Application is available at my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/billing-finance/financial-assistance. It is offered in English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, and Nepali.
Alternatively, call the Patient Financial Advocacy line at 855.831.1284 (Ohio) to request an application by phone or ask to speak with a financial advocate.
Step 2: Complete the Medicaid screening
Cleveland Clinic partners with three vendors to screen all applicants for Medicaid eligibility before processing charity care applications:
- Last names A through L (Ohio and Florida): Centauri Health Solutions at 1.888.860.3537
- Last names M through Z (Ohio): ElevatePFS at 1.216.238.9565
- Last names M through Z (Florida): Firstsource at 1.866.268.4324
This step is mandatory. If you are found eligible for Medicaid, the hospital will help you enroll. If you are not eligible, your charity care application proceeds.
Step 3: Gather your documentation
Collect all the items listed in the documents section above. Incomplete applications delay the review.
Step 4: Submit the application
Mail or deliver your completed application and supporting documents to the Cleveland Clinic billing office. The mailing address is printed on the application itself and varies by facility.
Step 5: Wait for a determination
Cleveland Clinic typically processes applications within 30 days. You will receive written notice of the decision.
Step 6: Appeal if denied
If your application is denied, you can request a written explanation and submit additional documentation. A Patient Financial Advocate can help you understand the denial and file an appeal.
Before You Apply: Check Your Bill for Errors
Many Cleveland Clinic bills contain charges that are higher than what Medicare or other benchmarks would allow, or line items that were billed in error. If you have received a bill, it is worth reviewing it carefully before you pay or apply for assistance.
The CoveredUSA Bill Analyzer lets you upload your hospital bill and compares each line to standard Medicare rates to flag potential overcharges, duplicate charges, or unbundled services that should have been billed together. Catching errors before you apply can reduce your bill independently of the charity care program.
Cleveland Clinic Locations Covered
Cleveland Clinic's financial assistance policy covers services at its main campus in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as regional hospitals, family health centers, and outpatient facilities in the Cleveland Clinic Health System. Cleveland Clinic Florida (Weston and Martin Health campuses) has a separate financial assistance policy with similar income thresholds.
If you were treated at a Cleveland Clinic facility outside Ohio, ask the billing team specifically which policy applies to your account.
If You Are Insured but Still Struggling
Having insurance does not automatically disqualify you from Cleveland Clinic financial assistance. Patients with high deductibles, large out-of-pocket maximums, or coverage that excluded certain services may still apply. In these cases, the review focuses on whether your remaining financial obligation creates a hardship relative to your income.
Bring your Explanation of Benefits statement showing what your insurance paid and what balance remains. Cleveland Clinic may apply assistance to the unpaid patient balance.
Key Phone Numbers and Contacts
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|
| Ohio financial assistance (main line) | 855.831.1284 |
| General billing inquiries | (216) 444-2200 |
| Medicaid screening (last names A-L, OH/FL) | 1.888.860.3537 |
| Medicaid screening (last names M-Z, Ohio) | 1.216.238.9565 |
| Medicaid screening (last names M-Z, Florida) | 1.866.268.4324 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum income to qualify for Cleveland Clinic financial assistance in 2026?
As of 2026, patients with household incomes up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for partial assistance. For a single person, that is approximately $63,840. For a family of four, it is approximately $132,000. Free care (100% discount) applies to households at or below 200% FPL.
Can I apply for financial assistance after my bill has gone to collections?
Yes. Cleveland Clinic accepts financial assistance applications at any stage of the billing process, including after an account has been referred to a collection agency. Contact the hospital billing department directly to request that collection activity be paused while your application is reviewed.
Do I need to be uninsured to qualify?
No. Insured patients whose out-of-pocket expenses create a financial hardship may also qualify. Bring your Explanation of Benefits and information about your remaining balance when you apply.
How long does Cleveland Clinic take to process financial assistance applications?
Applications are typically reviewed within 30 days of submission. Incomplete applications take longer. Make sure to include all required income documentation to avoid delays.
Is Cleveland Clinic required to offer charity care?
Yes. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit hospital, Cleveland Clinic is required under IRS 501(r) regulations to maintain and publicize a financial assistance policy. Federal law also requires it to screen patients for financial assistance before using extraordinary collection actions such as lawsuits or liens.
What happens if I am found eligible for Medicaid during the screening?
If the Medicaid screening determines you qualify for Medicaid, Cleveland Clinic will help you enroll. Once enrolled, Medicaid will cover your bills going forward, and retroactive coverage may apply to recent treatment. Charity care would not apply in this case because you have coverage available.
Can I get help applying?
Yes. Cleveland Clinic has Patient Financial Advocates available to walk you through the process. Call 855.831.1284 to speak with one directly. Applications are also available in multiple languages including Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, and Nepali.
What if my income is above 400% FPL?
You may still be able to negotiate a lower bill or set up an interest-free payment plan. Ask the billing department about hardship exceptions and payment plan options. Additionally, uploading your bill to the CoveredUSA Bill Analyzer can help identify charges that may already be erroneous or inflated, which gives you grounds to dispute specific line items regardless of income.
Upload your hospital bill to the free CoveredUSA Bill Analyzer to find errors, overcharges, and charity care options in 30 seconds.
