Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Jackson Health System Charity Care (Public Health Trust)
Jackson Health System / Public Health Trust of Miami-Dade County
Who it's for
Jackson Health System is Miami-Dade County's public health system, operated by the Public Health Trust under the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. Jackson runs the safety-net hospitals (including Jackson Memorial, Jackson North, and Jackson South) along with primary-care clinics across the county. Jackson's charity care program — sometimes referred to as the Jackson Charity Care and Grant Program — pays for medically necessary inpatient and outpatient care for uninsured and underinsured Miami-Dade County residents at no cost or at a reduced sliding-fee scale, based on household income relative to the current Federal Poverty Guidelines. Patients at or below the base income threshold typically qualify for full charity (no patient responsibility); patients between the base threshold and 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for a sliding-fee discount. Anyone in need of emergency or critical care receives that care regardless of ability to pay or eligibility outcome; the financial assessment determines whether and how much you owe afterward. To apply, call the Patient Scheduling Center at 305-585-6000 to schedule a financial assessment appointment, or speak to a financial counselor at the hospital where you are receiving care.
Jackson charity care is a per-encounter benefit, not a standing entitlement — you qualify only at the point you seek care at a Jackson facility, and the financial assessment is done at or after the visit. The income threshold above is approximate (Jackson uses up to 300% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for a sliding-fee discount; the figure shown is the rough 300% FPL cap for a single-person household and rises with household size). Jackson also requires proof of Miami-Dade residency. If you have other insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, an Affordable Care Act marketplace plan), Jackson will bill that first; charity care covers the gap for genuinely uninsured or underinsured Miami-Dade residents.
What you'll need
- Proof of Miami-Dade County residency (driver's license, lease, utility bill, or voter registration)
- Proof of family unit size (household composition documentation)
- Proof of family unit gross income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return, SSA-1099)
- Completed Jackson Charity Care and Grant Programs application (provided by Jackson Eligibility Management)
- Photo identification
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 305-585-6000
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Jackson Health System Charity Care (Public Health Trust). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of Miami-Dade County residency (driver's license, lease, utility bill, or voter registration), proof of family unit size (household composition documentation), proof of family unit gross income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return, SSA-1099) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
per encounter; recertification typically required annually 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.