Guides · Last reviewed October 20, 2026
CommonSpirit Health financial assistance (charity care) in 2026
CommonSpirit Health offers free care for most patients with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (about $66,000 for a family of four in 2026), and discounts down to the insured rate for incomes up to 400% (500% in California). You generally have 240 days from your first bill to apply.
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Who qualifies
- Free care (100% off): uninsured or underinsured patients with family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level — roughly $66,000 for a family of four in 2026.
- Discounted care: income between 201% and 400% (up to 500% in California) can be reduced to the amount generally billed (AGB) to insured patients.
Presumptive eligibility — no income documents needed
CommonSpirit can approve financial assistance automatically, without asking for income paperwork, if you meet certain conditions — for example, if you are homeless, receive SNAP or WIC, live in subsidized housing, or take part in a state prescription program.
Your protections under federal law
CommonSpirit hospitals are nonprofit, so federal 501(r) rules apply:
- You get at least 240 days from your first bill after discharge to apply.
- The hospital must wait at least 120 days after the first bill before taking extraordinary collection actions.
- If you qualify, you can't be charged more than the amount generally billed to insured patients.
How to apply
- Visit CommonSpirit's financial assistance page, or ask the hospital's billing office for a Financial Assistance Application (FAA).
- Complete it and attach any income documents requested.
- Submit it to your CommonSpirit hospital. (A minimum account balance of $10 applies.)
For the general steps that apply at any nonprofit hospital, see our hospital financial assistance guide.
Common questions
Who qualifies for free care at CommonSpirit Health?
Uninsured or underinsured patients with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may get a 100% discount. Incomes up to 400% (500% in California) may get a discount to the amount generally billed.
What is presumptive eligibility at CommonSpirit?
CommonSpirit can approve you without income documents if you meet certain conditions, such as being homeless, on SNAP or WIC, or in subsidized housing.
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Sources
- CommonSpirit Health: Financial assistance — charity and discounted care programs
- IRS: Billing and collections — Section 501(r)(6)
Billmira is a self-help information tool, not a law firm, and this isn't legal or medical advice. Billmira is not affiliated with or endorsed by CommonSpirit Health. Policies vary by facility and change over time; check the official policy for your hospital.