University Health Bill Help in San Antonio 2026–27: CareLink, Charity Care, the 250% Income Limit and How to Apply
If you live in Bexar County and you got care at University Health, you may not have to pay the full bill, or any of it. University Health runs two separate programs that people often mix up:
Charity Care and Financial Assistance can forgive all or part of a hospital bill you already have.
CareLink is a monthly payment program that helps uninsured Bexar County residents get ongoing care at University Health for a set amount each month.
Both use the same basic income cutoff: 250% of the federal poverty guidelines. Here's how each one works and exactly what to bring.
Last checked October 2026. Sources: University Health's Financial Assistance and Health Coverage Options page, its CareLink page, CareLink FAQs and CareLink Locations and Hours page, plus the HHS 2026 poverty guidelines. Dollar figures for 250% of poverty are our calculation from the HHS table.
The Short Version
Income limit: household income at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines for both programs. That's about $39,900 for one person or $82,500 for a family of four in 2026.
Charity care: for patients who are uninsured, underinsured or ineligible for government programs. Forgives all or part of a hospital bill on a sliding scale.
Have insurance? You may still get a discount if your medical bills are more than 5% of your household's gross annual income.
CareLink: for Bexar County residents with no insurance who don't qualify for other coverage. You pay a monthly amount based on income and family size.
One number for both: 210-358-3350. Email: CareLink@uhtx.com.
Emergency care: University Health says it treats emergencies regardless of ability to pay.
Who Qualifies: The Income Limit in Dollars
University Health uses 250% of the current federal poverty guidelines. Using the 2026 HHS guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, that works out to roughly:
| Household size | 250% of 2026 poverty guideline (yearly) | |---|---| | 1 | $39,900 | | 2 | $54,100 | | 3 | $68,300 | | 4 | $82,500 | | 5 | $96,700 | | 6 | $110,900 |
These are our calculations, not a University Health table. The hospital uses the most recent guidelines and looks at gross household income, so confirm with CareLink before you assume you're over or under.
Option 1: Charity Care for a Bill You Already Have
Who it's for
University Health says you may qualify for its Financial Assistance Program if:
You have no health insurance, or not enough to cover the services you got
Your income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines
You're not eligible for government or other programs
Before charity care kicks in, the hospital says other payment sources, such as auto insurance, must be used up first. If your bill came from a car crash, expect to be asked about that.
Insured but drowning in bills?
This part surprises people. University Health says that if you have insurance, you may qualify for a discount on what you owe if your outstanding medical bills are more than 5% of your household's gross annual income. For a household earning $50,000, that's any balance above $2,500.
What it covers
The hospital reviews your application and decides whether all or part of your hospital bill is forgiven, on a sliding scale by income and family size. It also promises that eligible patients will never be charged more for emergency or medically necessary care than the Amounts Generally Billed to insured patients.
What to bring
University Health's page lists:
Proof of income: your most recent federal tax return. If you don't have one, bring at least three recent pay stubs, three recent bank statements, or written documentation from your income sources.
Proof of government benefits, such as Medicaid or SNAP, if you get them
Government-issued ID
Proof of address, such as a phone, water or electric bill
How to apply
Get the application. It's on University Health's website in English and Spanish, in MyChart, at the University Hospital Emergency Department registration desk, and at any CareLink office.
Send it in with your documents:
Email: CareLink@uhtx.com
Mail: CareLink, 4502 Medical Drive, Mailstop 29-2, San Antonio, TX 78229
Hand-deliver to University Hospital (4502 Medical Dr., Rio Tower, 7th floor, Office R7-A09) or one of the CareLink offices below.
Ask for the policy if you want it. University Health will send a written copy of its Financial Assistance Program if you call 210-358-3350.
About collections
University Health says unpaid balances may be sent to a collection agency, but it follows the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and doesn't report unpaid balances to credit agencies. Still, apply as soon as the bill arrives. It's easier to stop collection activity before it starts.
Option 2: CareLink for Ongoing Care
What it is
CareLink is not insurance. It's a University Health financial assistance program for Bexar County families who don't have and don't qualify for health insurance. Members get a primary care provider and access to care at University Health. You pay a set monthly obligation, and the FAQ says you aren't billed directly for covered medical services.
Who qualifies
Income at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines
Bexar County resident. New applicants need proof of residency for the past three months.
No health insurance and not eligible for it
What it costs
Your monthly obligation depends on your family size and total monthly household income. University Health doesn't publish a price chart. You'll learn your amount at enrollment.
A few billing rules from the FAQ:
Payment is due when you get your statement. If the statement doesn't arrive, you still owe the payment.
You pay every month, even if you don't see a doctor.
Stopping payments can get you terminated from the program.
Automatic bank withdrawal is available.
You can renew with a past-due balance, but you may have to pay it. If the account is in collections, you may need a payment arrangement first.
How to enroll
You need an appointment, either in person or by phone. Schedule by completing the CareLink Enrollment Application online (also in Spanish) or by calling 210-358-3350. Appointments can take up to an hour.
The online portal has three upload sections: ID, proof of residency and proof of income. Files must be PDF or JPEG. If uploads fail, try the latest Chrome or Firefox, or bring documents to a CareLink office.
For your household, bring IDs for every adult on the account, and for children, Medicaid or CHIP cards or birth certificates, plus income information for your spouse and any dependents with income.
No ID? CareLink says to call 210-358-3350. It can point you to resources.
Applying for disability with no income? Bring your disability paperwork showing the case is in process. You're still responsible for your monthly obligation.
Adult children can stay on your account until 26 if they're in school and you claim them as a tax dependent.
Renewing
To renew, you need proof of residency dated within the last 30 days. Moved? You'll have to show proof of the new address. CareLink says you can't update your address by phone.
CareLink Offices
All four offices are open Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CareLink payments are accepted until 4:45 p.m. The Southwest and Southeast offices close daily from noon to 1 p.m.
University Health North: 126 W. Rector St., Suite 116
Robert B. Green Campus: 903 W. Martin St.
University Health Southwest: 2121 SW 36th St.
University Health Southeast: 1055 Ada St., Level 2
If You Don't Qualify
University Health's CareLink FAQ points people who don't qualify to these community programs:
CentroMed: 210-922-7000
CommuniCare: 210-233-7000
Methodist Healthcare Ministries: 210-922-6922
University Health representatives can also help you apply for Medicaid and CHIP and set up a payment plan.
What we couldn't confirm: University Health doesn't publish its sliding-scale discount table or CareLink's monthly payment chart. We didn't read the full Charity Care policy PDF, so application deadlines and how far back bills can be covered aren't stated. Coverage of outside physician groups is listed in a separate provider document we didn't review. The 250% dollar figures are our calculation from HHS's 2026 table.
Comments