Benefits · Healthcare

How to apply for Summa Health (Akron, INDEPENDENT flagship) + Cleveland Clinic Akron General + Akron Children's — Financial Assistance (Summit County)

Summit County hospital safety net: Summa Health System (Akron flagship + Barberton, INDEPENDENT — major NE Ohio independent network), Cleveland Clinic Akron General (Akron, joined Cleveland Clinic 2015), Akron Children's Hospital (pediatric specialty). Distinctive — Akron has competing independent (Summa) + Cleveland Clinic affiliate (Akron General).

Who it's for

Summit County hospital safety net is Summit = Summa Health (Akron INDEPENDENT flagship) + Cleveland Clinic Akron General (CC affiliate since 2015) + Akron Children's. Independent vs CC competition.. Ohio's Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) requires hospitals receiving HCAP funds (essentially all Ohio acute-care hospitals) to provide basic, medically necessary hospital-level services free of charge to Ohio residents at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own Financial Assistance Program (typically sliding to 200-400% FPL) layers above HCAP. Apply at the hospital financial counseling office or at https://www.summahealth.org/patients-and-visitors/insurance-and-billing/financial-assistance. Phone: 330-375-6685.

Summit: Summit = Summa Health (Akron INDEPENDENT flagship) + Cleveland Clinic Akron General (CC affiliate since 2015) + Akron Children's. Independent vs CC competition.. Ohio HCAP guarantees free basic hospital-level care at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own FAP slides above that.

What you'll need

  • Proof of household income
  • Proof of Summit County / Ohio residency
  • Photo identification
  • Proof of uninsured status or insurance gap
  • Hospital bill or pre-treatment estimate

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 330-375-6685

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Summa Health (Akron, INDEPENDENT flagship) + Cleveland Clinic Akron General + Akron Children's — Financial Assistance (Summit County). 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 household income, proof of Summit County / Ohio residency, photo identification — 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 or annual

Official source →Last verified · September 8, 2026

Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.

Find my benefits

Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.