Salinas Valley Health Medical Center

Salinas Valley Health Medical Center is a nonprofit hospital in the CMS register. Under section 501(r) of the federal tax code it must have a written Financial Assistance Policy with a free application, publish both on its website, and charge patients who qualify no more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients for emergency and other medically necessary care. Who qualifies depends on household income; the policy states the limits.

You can apply up to 240 days after the first bill. Before collection actions such as credit reporting or a lawsuit, the hospital must tell you about the policy and wait at least 120 days after that bill. Ask the billing office for the policy and the application before you pay, or search the hospital's website for “financial assistance”. Letters you can copy.

Source: IRS, section 501(r) requirements for nonprofit hospitals.

California law (Health and Safety Code §127405): if you are uninsured or have high medical costs and your family income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, a hospital may not expect you to pay more than it would expect from Medicare or Medi-Cal, whichever is greater. That can be less than the cash prices below; ask the hospital for its discount payment policy. A separate physician fee may still apply. Other states' laws.