Cleveland Clinic runs a financial assistance program that can cover a hospital bill in full, or cut it substantially, for patients whose household income falls under published limits. The program is set out in the health system’s own Financial Assistance Policy, revised January 1, 2026. What follows is a summary of that document, with a link to the original.
Who the program is for
The policy names uninsured patients as its principal beneficiaries. Insured patients can qualify only in limited circumstances, and Cleveland Clinic must be in network for them to be considered.
Income is not the only route. The policy also covers patients whose bill for a single episode of care comes to more than 25% of their annual family income, and patients going through what it calls exceptional circumstances, including terminal illness or another catastrophic medical condition.
Income limits
Eligibility is measured against the Federal Poverty Guidelines in effect on the date of service:
- At or below 250% of the guidelines — free care.
- Between 251% and 400% — charges reduced to the amount generally billed to insured patients for the same services.
Family income counts wages and salaries plus alimony, child support, Social Security, unemployment, workers’ compensation, pension, interest and rental income.
How to apply
You can complete the application in person, over the phone with a Patient Financial Advocate, or by mailing or delivering a paper copy.
Some patients never have to apply. In Ohio and Nevada, Cleveland Clinic screens uninsured patients against third-party income data at scheduling or before admission, and anyone found to be at or under 400% of the guidelines is approved without submitting anything further.
If an application arrives incomplete, the policy says patients are told what is missing and given a reasonable opportunity to supply it.
Deadline
Applications are accepted within 240 days of the first billing statement for the unpaid balance. If a collection agency returns the balance to Cleveland Clinic after that, the clock runs from the later date instead.
Hospitals this policy does not cover
The policy applies across Cleveland Clinic hospitals and family health centers, but it specifically excludes several affiliates, each of which publishes its own separate policy:
- Cleveland Clinic Florida
- Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospitals
- Select Cleveland Hospitals
- Ashtabula Regional Medical Center, including Glenbeigh
- One Medical locations
If you were treated at one of those, ask for that facility’s own financial assistance policy rather than relying on this page.