Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system, and that status comes with a legal obligation to help patients who can’t afford care. If you have an Intermountain bill you can’t pay — or you’re worried about a procedure coming up — this is how the program actually works.
These are the answers people search for most — and rarely find clearly stated. Read these before anything else, especially if you have a bill in hand or a procedure coming up.
1 Is Intermountain’s financial assistance only for people who are very poor? No. Partial discounts reach households earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level — for a family of four, that’s roughly $165,000 a year. Many working middle-class families qualify. ▼
2 My bill already went to collections. Is it too late to apply for financial assistance? No — you can apply at any point, including after a bill is in collections. Intermountain must wait 240 days before referring accounts, and they are required to consider assistance applications even during collection activity. ▼
3 I have insurance. Can I still get financial assistance for my out-of-pocket costs? Yes. Both insured and uninsured patients are eligible. Intermountain’s program can cover cost-sharing — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — not just uninsured bills. ▼
4 What’s the “catastrophic bill” provision — and who does it help? If your total medical bills from all providers combined exceed 25% of your family’s gross income, you may qualify for assistance regardless of your income level. ▼
5 Can I apply before my procedure, or only after I get a bill? Apply before — Intermountain strongly encourages this. An approved application is valid for six months and covers future services during that window. Applying in advance avoids the stress of a large bill landing first. ▼
6 I received a collection notice from Intermountain even though I had a payment plan. What happened? Intermountain migrated to new billing software in late 2025, which deleted some existing payment plans and incorrectly sent accounts to collections. If this happened to you, contact the financial assistance office immediately with your payment records. ▼
7 Does the financial assistance program cover emergency care even if I can’t prove income right away? Yes. No one can be denied emergency care for inability to pay. The financial assistance application can be submitted after you receive care — you’re never turned away from an emergency room while paperwork is pending. ▼
8 The application asks about liquid assets. Will my savings account disqualify me? Not automatically. The evaluation considers income and household size first. Liquid assets are reviewed as part of the process, but having some savings doesn’t instantly disqualify a household facing genuinely disproportionate medical costs. ▼
Intermountain’s financial assistance program has three distinct ways to qualify. Most people know about the income-based path but miss the other two. You may qualify under more than one.
The primary path: Intermountain compares your gross household income to your household size using the current federal poverty guidelines. Income under 250% FPL qualifies for full assistance (care at no charge, with a small nominal patient responsibility per episode). Income from 250% to 500% FPL qualifies for a sliding-scale discount — the lower your income within that range, the larger the discount. Eligibility is based on the whole household’s gross income, not net income or take-home pay. Both insured and uninsured patients may apply through this path.
This path catches families who earn above 500% FPL but face bills so large they represent a genuine financial catastrophe. Intermountain defines catastrophic assistance as situations where all medical bills — from all providers combined, not just Intermountain — exceed 25% of the family’s gross annual income. You must document your total medical debt across all sources, not just the Intermountain bill, to trigger this provision. There is no stated upper income limit for catastrophic review — the evaluation is based purely on the ratio of debt to income. This is the path most often used by middle- and upper-middle-income families after a major illness or accident.
Uninsured patients who receive hospital services and do not qualify for Medicaid or other government programs automatically receive a discount on their bill — this happens without an application. The amount of the automatic discount varies and is based on the Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) standard, meaning uninsured patients are never charged more than what insured patients typically pay. This is a baseline protection, not the full assistance program — uninsured patients who do qualify for income-based assistance will receive a greater discount by applying than by taking the automatic reduction alone. For Colorado patients specifically, this connects to Hospital Discounted Care (HDC) provisions at the state level.
These figures use the 2026 federal poverty guidelines ($15,960/year for a single person; $33,000 for a family of four). Intermountain updates its thresholds annually when HHS publishes new guidelines in January.
| Assistance Tier | FPL Range | Single Person (Annual) | Family of 4 (Annual) | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Assistance | Under 250% FPL | Under $39,900 | Under $82,500 | ~100% free* |
| Sliding Scale — Tier 1 | 250%–300% FPL | $39,900–$47,880 | $82,500–$99,000 | Large discount |
| Sliding Scale — Tier 2 | 300%–400% FPL | $47,880–$63,840 | $99,000–$132,000 | Moderate discount |
| Sliding Scale — Tier 3 | 400%–500% FPL | $63,840–$79,800 | $132,000–$165,000 | Partial discount |
| Catastrophic Review | Above 500% FPL | Any income | Any income | If bills >25% of income |
The application evaluates your gross annual household income — every dollar earned before taxes, from all sources, for everyone in the household. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, disability payments, pension income, alimony, and rental income. It does not mean take-home pay. If your gross income puts you above a threshold but your take-home is significantly lower due to taxes or deductions, that distinction won’t change the calculation — total gross income is what’s used.
Intermountain accepts applications through three channels. The process is the same regardless of which state you’re in — the form differs slightly between the Utah/Idaho/Nevada region and the Colorado/Montana/Wyoming region, but the requirements are identical.
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Identify your region — this determines which form and which mailing address to use. If you received care in Utah, Idaho, or Nevada, your contact is the Salt Lake City office. Colorado, Montana, or Wyoming patients use the Broomfield, CO office. Both can also be reached through your MyChart patient portal online.
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Gather your income documentation before starting the form. Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), your most recent federal tax return, and benefit award letters for any government income (Social Security, disability, etc.) are the most commonly requested. If you can’t produce these, three months of bank statements with a written explanation is accepted. See the full documents section below.
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Fill out the application completely. Every section matters — partial applications are not processed. Include all household members, all income sources, and your total household size. If the bill is related to an auto accident or work injury, indicate that — it affects how the application is routed. If you’re claiming catastrophic hardship, document all medical bills from all providers, not just Intermountain’s.
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Submit through one of three methods. Online through your MyChart account (fastest), by email to the regional address, by fax, or by mail. In-person submission at any Intermountain facility is also accepted — an Eligibility Counselor on-site can help you complete the form and make sure everything is in order before it’s submitted.
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Respond to any follow-up requests promptly. Additional documentation may be requested after initial review. Missing or incomplete documentation is the most common reason applications are delayed. The sooner you respond, the sooner your case is resolved — and billing activity is generally held while a complete application is under active review.
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Your approval covers the next six months. Once approved, the documentation on file is valid for six months from the date received. You do not need to re-apply for each separate appointment within that window — future qualifying services during the approval period are automatically covered at the same assistance level.
Having these ready before you start the application saves you from having to stop and gather them mid-process. The list looks long but most households only need two or three items.
For employed individuals: recent pay stubs from the last 30 days, or the most recent federal income tax return. For self-employed individuals: most recent federal tax return with Schedule C. For those without traditional income documentation: three months of bank statements, accompanied by a written explanation on the back of the application. Government income sources — Social Security, SSI, disability payments, pension, unemployment — should be documented with the most recent award letter or benefits statement. All sources of income for all adult household members must be included.
The application asks for a current household size — this means everyone living in your home, including unborn children if applicable. Household members added on separate sheets must be consistent with what you report as the total household size. Basic personal information — name, date of birth, marital status, phone numbers, email — is also required for the primary applicant. Accurate household size is critical because it directly determines which FPL percentage your income falls under. A family of four qualifies for full assistance at a much higher income than a single person.
If you’re applying under the catastrophic provision — total medical bills exceeding 25% of household income — you need documentation from all providers, not just Intermountain. Gather itemized bills or statements from every medical provider you’ve dealt with in the relevant period. The total figure, compared to your gross annual income, is what determines eligibility. A letter or personal statement explaining your circumstances can also accompany the application — the form includes a dedicated section for this, and the evaluators do consider context.
Intermountain operates two regional financial assistance offices — one for the western region (Utah, Idaho, Nevada) and one for the mountain region (Colorado, Montana, Wyoming). The policy and eligibility rules are the same; the forms and contact information differ.
For patients who received care at Intermountain facilities in Utah, Idaho, or Nevada: submit your completed application and supporting documents by any of the methods below. You can also submit through your MyChart account online — this is the fastest processing method. Walk-in help from an Eligibility Counselor is available at any Intermountain facility in the region — you do not need an appointment to sit with a counselor in person.
Patients served by Intermountain facilities in Colorado, Montana, or Wyoming use the Broomfield office for financial assistance applications. Colorado patients also benefit from the state’s Hospital Discounted Care (HDC) law, which provides additional protections and automatic discounts for uninsured patients under Colorado statute. Call before mailing if your situation is urgent — the financial counselors can flag your account while your paperwork is in transit. Nevada patients should use the Utah/Idaho/Nevada line above.
Intermountain provides free language assistance services to patients who need them. Application forms and program information are available in eight languages. TTY services are available for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. Contact your local facility or the regional financial assistance office and request interpretation — this is a right under federal civil rights law, and Intermountain is required to provide it at no cost.
Understanding the billing and collections timeline gives you room to breathe — and to make the best decisions about when and how to respond.
Intermountain’s collections policy holds accounts for a minimum of 240 days — double the 120-day federal floor for nonprofit hospitals. During this period, you will receive billing statements and reminders, but no extraordinary collection actions (lawsuits, liens, credit reporting through collections) can be taken. You can apply for financial assistance at any point during this 240-day window. An active, complete application further pauses collection activity while the review is underway. The time pressure many patients feel (“I have to pay this or something bad will happen”) is usually overstated — there is more time than the bill suggests.
If you don’t qualify for financial assistance or want to address a remaining balance after assistance is applied, Intermountain’s financial counselors can set up a payment plan. Payment plan options depend on your account balance and circumstances. Ask specifically about interest-free installment arrangements — these are often available and make large balances manageable over time without adding to the total you owe. A financial counselor at your Intermountain facility is your best point of contact for setting up, modifying, or confirming a payment plan.
Due to the 2025 billing system migration, some accounts were incorrectly sent to collection agencies. If you receive a collection notice that you believe is wrong — particularly for services before September 2025 or if you had an existing payment plan — take these steps:
- Gather all payment confirmations, bank records, and correspondence related to the account
- Contact the Intermountain financial assistance office directly using the regional number above — not the collection agency
- Request written confirmation from Intermountain that the collection referral is under review
- You have the right to dispute the debt with the collection agency in writing within 30 days of first contact
- Financial assistance applications are accepted even while a debt is in collections — apply immediately if you haven’t already
Start with one call: the regional financial assistance number for your state (866-415-6556 for UT/ID/NV; 866-665-2636 for CO/MT/WY). Tell them you received a bill you cannot pay and want to apply for financial assistance. They will tell you which form to use, what documents to gather, and whether an in-person counselor is available. Do not make partial payments on a bill you plan to apply for assistance on before confirming how payment activity affects the application — call first. While you wait for the call, pull together your most recent pay stubs or bank statements and any government benefit letters. The application is faster when you’re prepared.
Many insured patients don’t know they’re eligible. Apply for financial assistance using the same process as uninsured patients — your income and household size determine eligibility, not whether you have coverage. If your post-insurance out-of-pocket costs are significant, the sliding-scale program may reduce or eliminate what you owe. If your total medical bills across all providers from the same period exceed 25% of your annual income, the catastrophic hardship provision may also apply. Gather your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer showing what was covered and what remains as your responsibility before applying — counselors often find this useful in the review.
Fixed incomes often fall below or near the thresholds that trigger the most generous assistance levels. Bring your most recent Social Security or disability award letter as income documentation — this is the simplest form to provide and eliminates any ambiguity about your income. If you live alone and your annual income from Social Security plus any pension is under roughly $39,900, full assistance (minus the nominal per-episode fee) is the likely outcome. If you pay Medicare Part B premiums out of your Social Security check, that’s part of your documented income picture — mention it when you speak with a counselor.
Apply before the procedure — this is the best possible use of the program. Contact the financial assistance office at the specific Intermountain facility where your care is scheduled and ask to speak with a financial counselor before your appointment. An approved application covers all qualifying services for six months, which means the procedure and any follow-up care during that window are included. You won’t be denied emergency care for inability to pay, but proactive approval gives you peace of mind and may also open the door to planning care you might otherwise delay or skip.
Apply under the catastrophic hardship provision. Document every medical bill from every provider you’ve received in the relevant period — primary care, specialists, hospital stays, labs, imaging, everything. Add them up. If the total exceeds 25% of your gross annual household income, you may qualify for assistance regardless of where your income sits on the standard scale. Write a clear explanation of your situation in the space provided on the application. There is no stated upper income limit for catastrophic review — the program is designed specifically to catch cases like yours that fall through the standard income grid.
A denial is not necessarily final. Review the denial letter carefully — it should explain the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, income that fell above the threshold at time of review, or an unverified household size. If circumstances have changed — your income dropped, your household size changed, or your total medical debt increased — you can reapply with updated information. You may also ask for a review if you believe a documentation error contributed to the denial. The catastrophic hardship provision can apply at any income level — if your first application was income-based and denied, ask your counselor specifically whether the catastrophic path was evaluated using your total medical bills from all providers.
All contacts are for Intermountain Health’s financial assistance offices. Your Intermountain MyChart account is also a direct path to submit applications online.
For patients from any Intermountain facility in Utah, Idaho, or Nevada. Application forms in eight languages are available at intermountainhealthcare.org. Financial counselors are also available in person at any Intermountain facility in the region — no appointment required.
For patients from any Intermountain facility in Colorado, Montana, or Wyoming. Colorado patients also have state-level Hospital Discounted Care protections — ask your counselor about HDC when you call. Applications available in multiple languages online and in person.
The fastest way to submit a financial assistance application is through your Intermountain Health MyChart patient account. Applications submitted online are processed without the mail delay and allow you to upload documentation directly. If you don’t have a MyChart account, you can create one at intermountainhealthcare.org using your Intermountain patient information. Applications are also available at intermountainhealthcare.org/for-patients/financial-assistance — download the correct form for your region, complete it, and submit by whichever method is fastest for you.
This guide is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Intermountain Health. Program eligibility, income thresholds, discount percentages, contact information, and application procedures may change. Federal poverty guidelines are updated annually in January by HHS — always verify current thresholds directly with Intermountain. This content is original and does not reproduce material from any third-party source.