Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for UTMB Health Charity Care + Galveston County CIHCP (Coastal Health & Wellness)
Galveston County's hospital safety net combines TWO programs: (1) UTMB Health (University of Texas Medical Branch) — a state-owned public hospital operating UTMB Galveston Campus, the John Sealy Hospital, plus clinics — providing charity care up to 400% FPL for Texas residents (75% or 100% charity); (2) Galveston County CIHCP administered by the Galveston County Health District (Coastal Health & Wellness) for residents at or below 100% FPL who don't qualify for UTMB charity
Who it's for
Galveston County is DISTINCTIVE in Texas — its hospital safety net is anchored by UTMB Health (the University of Texas Medical Branch), a state-owned academic medical center that serves as the de facto public hospital for the Galveston region. UTMB Health's Charity Care and Financial Assistance Policy provides 75% or 100% charity care to financially-indigent Texas residents at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level — DRAMATICALLY MORE GENEROUS than the modeled TX public hospital district programs (Harris Health 150% FPL; Parkland Dallas/University Health Bexar/Central Health Travis 200% FPL; JPS Tarrant 250% FPL; UMC El Paso 200% FPL). To qualify, applicants must be Texas residents, uninsured (Medicare OK), not eligible for Medicaid or CIHCP, and meet income+asset criteria. Patients can be UTMB or non-UTMB patients. Discount status is granted for 6 months or 1 year. SEPARATELY, the Galveston County Health District (Coastal Health & Wellness) administers the Galveston County CIHCP for residents at or below 100% FPL who don't qualify for UTMB charity — covering medically necessary hospital and specialist care through referrals. Apply for UTMB charity at 409-772-6464 (Financial Counseling); for CIHCP via Coastal Health & Wellness at 409-938-2401.
UTMB's 400% FPL gate is the MOST GENEROUS hospital charity care threshold of any TX hospital in the catalog — Galveston County residents and broader Texas residents up to ~$62,700 single income may qualify for substantial discounts. UTMB Galveston Campus is a major academic medical center providing comprehensive specialty care. For households below 100% FPL who do NOT have other coverage, the Galveston County CIHCP (Coastal Health & Wellness, 409-938-2401) provides an alternate pathway with similar scope but stricter income limits.
What you'll need
- Completed UTMB Financial Assistance application
- Proof of all household income
- Proof of all household resources/assets
- Proof of Texas residency
- Photo identification
- Proof of uninsured status and Medicaid/CIHCP ineligibility
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 409-772-6464
Renewals
6 months or 1 year per UTMB determination
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.