Quick Answer: Kaiser Permanente offers two main financial assistance programs for self-pay and low-income patients in 2026. The Medical Financial Assistance Program (MFAP) covers emergency and medically necessary care for patients at or below 300% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), depending on region. The Community Health Coverage Program (CHCP) provides ongoing subsidized coverage for uninsured patients under 300% FPL. Both programs are open to non-members. Income limits, an application, and supporting documents are required.
If you received a Kaiser Permanente bill you cannot pay, or you need ongoing coverage but cannot afford premiums, you are not out of options. Kaiser Permanente has two separate financial assistance tracks in 2026: one for outstanding medical bills and one for ongoing health coverage. The programs differ in who administers them, what they cover, and how you apply.
This guide explains both programs, the 2026 income limits, the documents you need, and the step-by-step application process. If you already have a bill in hand and want to know whether a specific charge is reasonable, the CoveredUSA Bill Analyzer compares each line on your bill to the Medicare rate and flags overcharges and errors before you negotiate.
The Two Kaiser Permanente Assistance Programs
Kaiser Permanente runs two distinct programs that address different situations:
Medical Financial Assistance Program (MFAP) addresses past and current medical bills. If you received care at a Kaiser Permanente facility and cannot pay the resulting bill, MFAP may reduce or eliminate that balance. It covers emergency and medically necessary services. Both Kaiser members and non-members can apply.
Community Health Coverage Program (CHCP) is for people who need ongoing Kaiser Permanente coverage but cannot afford premiums. It is a subsidized membership program, not a bill-forgiveness program. It is available in California and the Mid-Atlantic region (Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia). Adults over 21 can only use the subsidy for a maximum of three consecutive years.
MFAP Income Limits for 2026
The MFAP income threshold varies by region but generally covers patients with household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some Kaiser regions extend partial assistance up to 400% FPL. Full forgiveness is typically available to those closest to the poverty line, with sliding-scale discounts for households with higher incomes.
Kaiser Permanente MFAP Income Eligibility, 2026 (48 Contiguous States)
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 300% FPL (MFAP threshold) | 400% FPL (some regions) |
|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $64,920 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $81,960 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $116,040 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $133,080 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $150,120 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $167,160 | $222,880 |
Source: HHS ASPE 2026 Poverty Guidelines. For households with more than 8 members, add $5,680 per additional person. Alaska and Hawaii use higher thresholds.
MFAP also has a "high medical expense" pathway. If your medical bills are large relative to your income even if your income exceeds the standard cutoffs, you may still qualify based on hardship. Contact your regional Kaiser financial counselor to explore this route.
Presumptive Eligibility
Kaiser Permanente may automatically approve MFAP in some cases without requiring a completed application. If you have an unpaid bill, have not responded to outreach, and other information in the system points to financial hardship, Kaiser may grant assistance on a presumptive basis. You do not need to provide income verification for presumptive determinations.
CHCP Income Limits for 2026
The Community Health Coverage Program caps household income at three times the FPL. The table below uses the 2026 guidelines effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
Kaiser Permanente CHCP Income Limits, 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit (300% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $3,990 | $47,880 |
| 2 | $5,410 | $64,920 |
| 3 | $6,830 | $81,960 |
| 4 | $8,250 | $99,000 |
| 5 | $9,670 | $116,040 |
| 6 | $11,090 | $133,080 |
Source: Kaiser Permanente CHCP Eligibility and Mid-Atlantic eligibility page. Updated April 2026.
To qualify for CHCP you must also:
- Live in an active Kaiser Permanente service area
- Have no other health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, employer coverage, or marketplace plan)
- Be ineligible for Medicaid or CHIP based on current state rules
- Have child dependents under age 26 in most cases (primary CHCP requirement for family coverage)
Adults over 21 receive the CHCP subsidy for a maximum of three consecutive years. After that period, you cannot re-enroll if you skip a year. Treat it as a bridge, not a permanent solution.
What MFAP Covers
MFAP can cover costs for:
- Emergency department visits at Kaiser facilities
- Inpatient hospitalization
- Outpatient surgery and procedures
- Physician services provided by Kaiser providers
- Prescription drugs dispensed through Kaiser pharmacies
- Lab and imaging services ordered by Kaiser providers
Care received outside Kaiser facilities from non-Kaiser providers is generally not covered under MFAP, even if Kaiser referred you there.
How to Apply for Kaiser Permanente Financial Assistance
MFAP Application Steps
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Request an application. Visit healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/help-paying-your-bill/medical-financial-assistance or call the number on your billing statement to request a Medical Financial Assistance application.
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Gather your documents. You will need proof of income and identity (see the Documents Needed section below).
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Complete the application. Fill out the MFAP application honestly. List all household members and all income sources.
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Submit the application. You can submit online through kp.org/mfa, by mail, or in person at a Kaiser Permanente financial counseling office.
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Wait for a determination. Kaiser reviews applications and notifies you by mail. Processing time varies by region.
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Appeal if denied. If you are denied, you can request reconsideration and provide additional documentation showing financial hardship.
CHCP Application Steps
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Confirm your service area. CHCP is available in California and the Mid-Atlantic region (Virginia, Maryland, DC). Call 1-800-464-4000 (California) or 1-800-777-7902 (Mid-Atlantic) to confirm availability in your area.
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Check eligibility. Use the eligibility checker at charitablehealth.kaiserpermanente.org to see if you meet income and residency requirements.
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Submit an application. Complete the CHCP subsidy application. Paper applications are available at Kaiser member services offices.
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Provide income documentation. See the Documents Needed section below.
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Reapply annually. CHCP requires annual reapplication. Missing a consecutive year can permanently disqualify you from future CHCP assistance.
Documents Needed
For both MFAP and CHCP applications, prepare the following:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of income for all household members:
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 to 60 days)
- Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) if self-employed or filing taxes
- Social Security or SSI award letters
- Unemployment benefit statements
- Any other income documentation
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement)
- Proof of insurance status (letter showing denial or loss of coverage, if applicable)
- Medical bills you are seeking assistance for (MFAP)
Common Reasons Applications Get Denied
- Income exceeds the program threshold after all household earners are counted
- Missing or incomplete documentation (application returned, not denied)
- Applicant qualifies for Medicaid or another public program and must apply for that first
- Service was provided outside a Kaiser facility or by a non-Kaiser provider
- Applicant is in a region where the program is not available
- For CHCP: the applicant skipped a prior year of enrollment and is past the three-year window
Regional Differences
Kaiser Permanente operates in multiple regions and programs vary by location.
| Region | MFAP Available | CHCP Available | Max MFAP Income |
|---|
| California (Northern) | Yes | Yes | 300% FPL (some areas 400%) |
| California (Southern) | Yes | Yes | 300% FPL (some areas 400%) |
| Mid-Atlantic (VA, MD, DC) | Yes | Yes | 300-400% FPL |
| Colorado | Yes | No | 300% FPL |
| Georgia | Yes | No | 300% FPL |
| Hawaii | Yes | No | 300% FPL |
| Northwest (OR, WA) | Yes | No | 300% FPL |
Contact your regional member services to confirm exact income thresholds. The Washington State Department of Health publishes Kaiser Permanente's charity care policy annually at doh.wa.gov.
What If You Earn Too Much for MFAP or CHCP?
If your income is above 300% to 400% FPL, several alternatives remain:
Marketplace coverage. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for subsidized coverage through the ACA marketplace. Subsidies are available up to and above 400% FPL depending on plan cost. Open enrollment runs November 1 to January 15.
Medicaid. In states that expanded Medicaid, adults under 138% FPL qualify. Some states have higher thresholds. Check your state's Medicaid program.
Negotiate the bill directly. Kaiser and most nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer charity care and cannot charge uninsured patients more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients. If you have a large bill, ask for an itemized statement and negotiate.
Check the bill for errors first. Medical billing errors are common. Before paying or setting up a payment plan, upload your itemized bill to the CoveredUSA Bill Analyzer. The tool compares your charges to Medicare benchmark rates and identifies overcharges, duplicate line items, and unbundling errors in about 30 seconds. Patients often find hundreds to thousands of dollars in correctable charges before they even start the financial assistance process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kaiser Permanente offer charity care to non-members?
Yes. MFAP is available to both Kaiser members and non-members who received care at a Kaiser facility or from a Kaiser provider. You do not need to be enrolled in a Kaiser health plan to apply.
How much of my bill can Kaiser forgive?
Full forgiveness is possible for patients at or near 100% FPL. Patients between 100% and 300% FPL typically receive sliding-scale discounts. The exact amount depends on your income, household size, and regional policy. Some regions offer assistance up to 400% FPL at reduced discount levels.
Can I apply while a collection agency already has my account?
Yes. You can apply for MFAP even if your account has been sent to collections. Kaiser requires collection agencies to pause collection activity while a financial assistance application is pending. If approved, the forgiven amount is removed from collections.
How long does MFAP approval take?
Processing times vary by region. Most applications are reviewed within 30 to 60 days. You should receive a written notice of determination by mail. Complex cases or applications with incomplete documentation may take longer.
Is the CHCP subsidy the same as free Kaiser insurance?
The CHCP subsidy covers your Kaiser premium in full, meaning you pay $0 per month for coverage if you qualify. However, co-pays and other cost-sharing may still apply depending on the plan type. Ask the CHCP team about cost-sharing when you apply.
What if I was denied Medicaid? Can I still apply for CHCP?
Yes, but CHCP requires that you are not eligible for Medicaid. If you were denied Medicaid based on income or immigration status and you live in a Kaiser service area that offers CHCP, you may qualify. Keep your Medicaid denial letter as it is a useful supporting document for the CHCP application.
What is the income cutoff for a family of 4 in 2026?
For MFAP and CHCP at the standard 300% FPL threshold, the income cutoff for a household of four is $99,000 per year in 2026, based on the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines published by HHS ASPE. Some regions extend assistance to families earning up to $132,000 (400% FPL).
Can I check my bill for errors before applying for financial assistance?
Yes, and you should. Upload your itemized Kaiser bill to the CoveredUSA Bill Analyzer at coveredusa.org/medical-bill-analyzer. The tool flags line items that are billed above Medicare rates, duplicate charges, and common coding errors. Identifying these before you apply gives you more leverage in negotiations and may reduce the amount you actually owe.
Where do I get the MFAP application form?
The application is available online at healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/help-paying-your-bill/medical-financial-assistance or by calling the billing number on your statement. You can also request a paper copy at any Kaiser Permanente member services office.
Next Steps
If you have an unpaid Kaiser bill or cannot afford Kaiser coverage in 2026:
- Request an itemized statement from Kaiser billing.
- Upload the itemized bill to the free CoveredUSA Bill Analyzer to find errors, overcharges, and charity care options in 30 seconds.
- Apply for MFAP at kp.org/mfa if you have an outstanding bill.
- Apply for CHCP at charitablehealth.kaiserpermanente.org if you need ongoing coverage in California or the Mid-Atlantic.
- If your income or situation does not fit either program, check ACA marketplace subsidies or Medicaid eligibility at CoveredUSA.
Financial assistance programs at Kaiser Permanente go underused because many patients do not know they exist or assume they will not qualify. The income thresholds are broader than most people expect, and both members and non-members are eligible. An application takes 20 to 30 minutes. It is worth the time.
