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Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital — Financial Assistance & Charity Care
Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, CA
Under California law (the Hospital Fair Pricing Act), Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital must offer free or discounted care to patients who can't afford their bills. Here's who qualifies and how to apply — you can apply even if your bill already went to collections.
Do you qualify for FREE care?
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital provides free (charity) care to patients at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level. If your yearly household income is at or below the amount for your household size, you likely qualify for 100% free care:
| Household size | Yearly income at or below | You likely qualify for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $79,800/yr | 100% free care |
| 2 people | $108,200/yr | 100% free care |
| 3 people | $136,600/yr | 100% free care |
| 4 people | $165,000/yr | 100% free care |
| 5 people | $193,400/yr | 100% free care |
| 6 people | $221,800/yr | 100% free care |
| 7 people | $250,200/yr | 100% free care |
| 8 people | $278,600/yr | 100% free care |
Discounted care
Patients up to 700% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for discounted care — you'd owe no more than the amount generally billed to insured patients:
| Household size | Yearly income at or below | You likely qualify for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $111,720/yr | discounted care |
| 2 people | $151,480/yr | discounted care |
| 3 people | $191,240/yr | discounted care |
| 4 people | $231,000/yr | discounted care |
| 5 people | $270,760/yr | discounted care |
| 6 people | $310,520/yr | discounted care |
| 7 people | $350,280/yr | discounted care |
| 8 people | $390,040/yr | discounted care |
What you'll need to apply
- Recent pay stubs (within 6-month period before/after first bill, or at application submission for preservice) OR
- Recent income tax returns (for the year first billed or 12 months prior) or unemployment statement
- Driver's license or photo ID (for adult patients)
How to apply
📞 805-879-8963When you call, say: “I'd like to apply for financial assistance (charity care) for a hospital bill. Can you send me the application and tell me which documents I need?”
Based on this hospital's policy effective 06/25/2026.
Not sure if you qualify?
Answer 3 quick questions and get a personalized plan plus a ready-to-send request letter — free, in your language.
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