Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for UMC El Paso — HealthCARE Options + Care Plus + Compassionate Care Fund
University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) — El Paso County's public hospital, governed by the El Paso County Hospital District; operates UMC Hospital (a Level I trauma center), El Paso Children's Hospital (separately governed but co-located), and a network of El Paso Health Center community clinics across El Paso County
Who it's for
University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) is El Paso County's public hospital, governed by the El Paso County Hospital District and serving the far West Texas region. UMC operates a Level I trauma center, El Paso Children's Hospital (separately governed but co-located on the UMC campus), and a network of El Paso Health Center community clinics distributed across El Paso County. UMC's financial assistance follows a THREE-TIER structure: (1) HealthCARE OPTIONS for households BELOW 100% Federal Poverty Level — provides FREE healthcare for covered services; (2) CARE PLUS for households between 100% and 200% FPL — sliding-scale co-payments for medical care; (3) REDUCED-COST CARE for households above 200% FPL who still face financial hardship. The HealthCARE Options program is the deepest assistance tier — qualifying El Paso County residents receive free healthcare for as long as the care is within the program's scope. The Compassionate Care Fund is the UMC Foundation's supplemental program providing SHORT-TERM RELIEF to uninsured and financially burdened patients facing urgent needs that can delay hospital discharge or recovery at home. Apply by calling UMC Patient Financial Services at 915-521-7900. El Paso County residency is required for HealthCARE Options and Care Plus.
UMC's three-tier structure is distinctive among TX public hospital safety nets — the FREE HealthCARE Options tier (below 100% FPL) is more generous than peer programs (Harris Health, Parkland Dallas, University Health Bexar, JPS Tarrant typically use sliding-scale even at the lowest income tier). El Paso County residency is RIGOROUSLY VERIFIED for HealthCARE Options and Care Plus — non-residents from surrounding Hudspeth or southern New Mexico do not qualify for full UMC charity programs (though UMC may still bill at uninsured rates). El Paso's far West Texas location means UMC is the primary public hospital safety net for hundreds of miles — no alternative public hospital district exists nearby for El Paso County residents. The Compassionate Care Fund (UMC Foundation) is SUPPLEMENTAL — short-term relief for discharge or recovery, not ongoing coverage. For Medicare-eligible El Paso seniors below 100% FPL, HealthCARE Options provides supplemental coverage for services not fully covered by Medicare.
What you'll need
- Completed UMC Financial Assistance / Charity Care application
- Proof of all household income (paycheck stubs, Social Security award letter, pension statement, SSI award letter, tax return)
- Proof of El Paso County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- Photo identification for the applicant
- Proof of uninsured or underinsured status (Medicaid denial letter, lack of insurance documentation)
- Documentation of household members and ages
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 915-521-7900
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.