How to apply for Sarasota Memorial Hospital District Patient Assistance

Who it's for

Sarasota Memorial Hospital is run by the Sarasota County Public Hospital District — one of the very few remaining genuinely public hospital districts in Florida (most peer counties privatized theirs decades ago). The District is funded by countywide property tax and governed by a publicly elected hospital board, which makes its charity-care obligation a real public-mission obligation, not just an IRS §501(r) compliance exercise. SMH's Patient Assistance Programs offer three layered options. Traditional Charity Care is granted to patients who meet the strict income criteria set by the State of Florida (typically tied to federal poverty guidelines) — qualifying patients receive a 100 percent discount. Community Support is the District's broader local-mission layer: patients who don't strictly qualify for Traditional Charity Care but show economic hardship may still receive assistance funded by the District's tax base. The Sliding Scale Program offers significantly reduced rates to lower-income uninsured patients. SMH also operates a Community Specialty Clinic that provides FREE specialty care to uninsured and underinsured residents who meet eligibility criteria — a service most peer Florida hospitals don't offer. Applications must include income documentation (typically the last 4 paychecks prior to the date of service) and must be returned within 7-10 days of discharge. Apply at the Financial Assistance desk during your visit or call (941) 917-8755.

What you'll need

• Completed SMH Assistance Screening Application
• Income documentation (typically last 4 paychecks prior to date of service, plus Social Security award letter, tax return, SSA-1099)
• Proof of family size
• Proof of Sarasota County residency
• Photo identification
• Application returned within 7-10 days of discharge

Where to apply

Renewals

per encounter; annual recertification for ongoing patients