Stanford Health Care writes off the full bill for qualifying patients under its Financial Assistance Policy, last approved March 2025. The figures below come from that document.
Who the program is for
Two groups qualify. Uninsured patients, and insured patients the policy calls Patients with High Medical Costs — people who have coverage but still face bills that are large relative to their income. If you have insurance, do not assume you are excluded.
Income limit
Charity care is defined in the policy as a 100% waiver of patient financial obligation for medically necessary services. It is available where annualized family income does not exceed 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Because Stanford is in California, state law bars the hospital from counting your savings or property. Only income is considered.
A separate right for emergency physician bills
The policy notes something many patients never learn. Under California Health and Safety Code section 127450, an emergency physician who provides emergency services in a hospital is required to discount their bill for uninsured patients, or patients with high medical costs, at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
That is a separate obligation from the hospital’s own policy. Emergency doctors often bill separately from the hospital, so a discount on the hospital bill does not automatically fix the physician bill. You may need to ask each one.
How to apply
Complete the financial assistance application with proof of income. The policy has a route for patients scheduled for future services who already know they will need help, so you can apply before treatment rather than waiting for a bill.
Copies of the policy, the application and the separate Debt Collection Policy are free on request, by calling (800) 549-3720 or at patient registration, financial counseling offices and the emergency department.