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Can't afford your hospital bill in California? Here's what to do
If a hospital bill is more than you can pay, you are not out of options — and you are not alone. California law requires hospitals to offer free or discounted care to patients who can't afford their bills. Here's how to get the help you may already be owed.
First: don't ignore the bill, but don't rush to pay it either
Many people who could have their bill reduced or erased end up paying in full — or getting sent to collections — simply because no one told them help existed. Before you pay, put it on a credit card, or agree to a payment plan, find out whether you qualify for financial assistance. Applying costs nothing and does not hurt your credit.
You may qualify for free or discounted care
Under California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act (Health & Safety Code §127400 and following), hospitals must offer charity care (free care) and discounted care to eligible patients. Depending on the hospital, patients with household income up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level — roughly $60,000 a year for one person or about $125,000 for a family of four — can qualify for a discount, and lower-income patients often pay nothing at all. Being uninsured, or having medical bills that are high compared to your income, can also make you eligible.
It doesn't matter if the bill is old or already in collections
You can apply for financial assistance even after you've received the bill, set up a payment plan, or had the account sent to a collection agency. In California, a hospital generally cannot report your bill to a credit agency or sell the debt until at least 180 days after the first bill (AB 1020). And under a 2025 law (SB 1061), medical debt cannot be reported on your California credit report at all.
How Cobijo can help — free, in your language
Cobijo Health is a free, nonprofit tool. Tell us your hospital, income, and household size, and we'll tell you whether you may qualify for free or discounted care at that specific hospital, screen you for Medi-Cal and Covered California, and write you a ready-to-send request letter. We don't save anything you enter.
Quick checklist
- Find your hospital's financial-assistance policy (Cobijo has every California hospital).
- Check the income limit for your household size — you may qualify for free or discounted care.
- Ask the hospital's billing or financial-assistance office for the application form.
- Apply even if the bill is old or in collections — and keep a copy of everything.
- Also check whether you qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California.
Check if you qualify
Answer a few quick questions and get a personalized plan plus a ready-to-send letter — free, in your language, nothing saved.
Check if you qualify →Cobijo Health gives you information, not legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Results are estimates based on what you enter and public hospital policies — they are not a decision or a guarantee. Only the hospital can decide if you qualify. Cobijo is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any hospital.
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