Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for HCA Florida Lake City Hospital Financial Assistance
HCA Florida Lake City Hospital — HCA Florida Healthcare affiliate; 141-bed acute-care hospital at 340 NW Commerce Drive, Lake City FL 32055; principal hospital safety net serving Columbia County AND adjacent Hamilton and Suwannee Counties (a three-county service area); tertiary care referrals to HCA Florida North Florida Hospital (Gainesville) or UF Health Shands (Gainesville) under same HCA Florida system or affiliated networks
Who it's for
HCA Florida Lake City Hospital is a 141-bed acute-care HCA Florida Healthcare affiliate at 340 NW Commerce Drive in Lake City — the principal hospital safety net for Columbia County AND a three-county service area extending to neighboring Hamilton and Suwannee Counties. The hospital follows the HCA Florida Healthcare system-wide Financial Assistance Policy: patients who received non-elective care, do not qualify for state or federal assistance, and have income between 0% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for a 100% charity discount (with documentation). For patients with balances greater than $1,500 whose documented income is between 201% and 400% FPL, the expanded financial assistance policy may reduce the amount owed via sliding-scale discount. The Uninsured Discount applies to patients with no third-party payer source who don't qualify for Medicaid or other discount programs — a baseline reduction available before charity-care evaluation. HCA requires that all federal, state, and third-party payer sources be billed and resolved before charity is applied. Medicare accounts and non-Medicare inpatient accounts require income verification documentation. The three-county service area (Columbia + Hamilton + Suwannee) extends FAP coverage beyond county lines — Hamilton and Suwannee seniors can use HCA Florida Lake City for non-emergency care under the same FAP. Apply via the HCA Florida system or via the Lake City hospital business office. Main number: 386-719-9000.
HCA Florida Lake City Hospital uses the standard HCA Florida tiered FAP: 0-200% FPL receives 100% charity (with documentation); 201-400% FPL receives sliding-scale discounts for balances greater than $1,500. The modeled $31,200 income gate is the 200% FPL single-person 2026 threshold for the 100% charity tier — patients above this may still qualify for partial assistance on the expanded program. HCA cannot apply charity until all payer sources (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance) have been billed and resolved. The three-county service area (Columbia + Hamilton + Suwannee) means seniors in adjacent counties can also use this facility under the same FAP — meaningfully expands hospital access for rural North Central Florida residents. For tertiary or complex care beyond the 141-bed facility's scope, patients are referred to larger HCA Florida facilities (HCA Florida North Florida Hospital in Gainesville) or UF Health Shands.
What you'll need
- Completed HCA Florida Patient Financial Assistance Application
- Proof of household income (recent pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return, SSA-1099)
- Proof of family/household size
- Photo identification
- Documentation of insurance status (denial letter, Medicaid denial, or proof of uninsured status)
- For inpatient + Medicare accounts: full income verification required
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 386-719-9000
Renewals
per encounter; documentation refresh required for ongoing patients
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.