Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Parkland Financial Assistance Program (PFAP) — Free + Sliding-Scale Care
Parkland Health & Hospital System — Dallas County's public hospital system; operates Parkland Memorial Hospital (a Level I trauma center), 12+ Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) clinics, and the largest public hospital safety net in North Texas; administers PFAP for Dallas County residents
Who it's for
Parkland Health & Hospital System is Dallas County's public hospital system — operating Parkland Memorial Hospital (a Level I trauma center and one of the largest hospitals in Texas), the Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) network of 12+ neighborhood health centers across Dallas County, and the largest public hospital safety net in North Texas. The Parkland Financial Assistance Program (PFAP) provides care to uninsured and underinsured Dallas County residents on a two-tier income basis: (1) FULL FREE CARE for Dallas County residents at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level; and (2) an EXPANDED sliding-scale financial assistance policy for patients with balances greater than $1,500 whose documented income is between 201% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program covers primary care, specialty care, inpatient and outpatient hospital, emergency care, surgery, prescription drugs, behavioral health, and dental at all Parkland facilities. To apply, call the Parkland billing department at 214-590-8000 or visit the PFAP application page at parklandhealth.org. Determinations are typically made within 30 days. Parkland uses a more generous 200% FPL FULL-CARE threshold than peer public hospital systems (Harris Health uses 150% FPL).
Parkland's 200% FPL FULL-FREE-CARE threshold is more generous than the 150% FPL line used by Harris Health (Houston) — Dallas County residents below 200% FPL receive complete free care, not sliding-scale. The expanded sliding-scale policy at 201-400% FPL is also distinctive — it covers a much broader middle-income safety net than most public hospital districts. Dallas County residency is VERIFIED RIGOROUSLY — non-residents (Collin, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall county residents) do not qualify. The PFAP enrollment runs annually; missed renewals are the most common coverage interruption. For Medicare-eligible Dallas seniors, Parkland PFAP provides COMPLEMENTARY coverage for Medicare copays, deductibles, and uncovered services. Determinations typically come within 30 days of application submission.
What you'll need
- Completed Parkland Financial Assistance Program (PFAP) application
- Proof of all household income for the prior 30-90 days (Social Security award letter, pension statement, pay stubs, SSI award letter, tax return)
- Proof of all household members (dependents documentation)
- Proof of Dallas County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence dated within the prior 60 days)
- Photo identification for the applicant
- Social Security number for the applicant (if available)
- For non-citizens: documentation of immigration status (or signed affidavit of lawful status)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 214-590-8000
Renewals
annual recertification required
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.