Low-Cost Health Care in Jacksonville: UF Health Financial Assistance, Sliding-Fee Clinics and DOH-Duval

In Jacksonville, the two biggest places to cut the cost of care are UF Health Jacksonville’s financial assistance program and the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval), which charges on a sliding scale [1][3]. Federally funded community health centers are a third option [5][6].

This guide covers who qualifies and what it costs. It isn’t medical advice.

UF Health Jacksonville financial assistance

UF Health Jacksonville provides emergency, urgent and other medically necessary care regardless of ability to pay [1].

Who qualifies

Patients with a family adjusted income under 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may get a discount of up to 100% [1].

If you don’t qualify

Uninsured patients who don’t qualify for financial assistance can get a 45% self-pay discount off gross charges [1]. Its policy also lists a minimum discount of 80.18% off gross charges, tied to its “amounts generally billed” rate [1]. If insurance, a settlement or another payer turns up later, the discount is reversed [1].

How to apply

• Talk to a financial counselor: (904) 244-4015 or enroll@jax.ufl.edu [1].
• Pick up an application at UF Health Jacksonville Admissions, 655 West 8th Street; UF Health North Admissions, 15255 Max Leggett Parkway; or the Financial Eligibility Department, 1833 Boulevard [1]. Applications come in English, Spanish and Chinese [1].
• Return it with your documents in person at 1833 Boulevard, or by mail to the Financial Evaluation Department, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209 [1]. The application includes forms to verify income and insurance, and a notarized form if someone else provides your food, shelter or money [1].

Planning a non-emergency visit? Under Florida law you can ask in writing for a good-faith estimate, and the hospital must provide it within seven business days [1].

Florida Department of Health in Duval County

DOH-Duval offers clinical services for free or at low cost [4]. Fees follow a sliding fee scale based on household income and size, and DOH-Duval says no one will be denied services because they can’t pay [3]. Bring proof of income, such as pay stubs, a benefits letter or a signed statement if you have no income, and any Medicaid, Medicare or insurance card [3]. To ask about eligibility, call 904-253-1000 for an appointment with a Human Services Counselor [3].

Shots

DOH-Duval gives routine and travel shots for adults and the vaccines children need for school. Call to schedule, and bring a photo ID and every past immunization record [7].

Sexual health

DOH-Duval offers exams, treatment, counseling and PrEP, and low or no-cost testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV [8]. Call 904-253-1130 to schedule [8]. Services are at the Center for Women and Children and the Comprehensive Care Center, both at 515 W. 6th St., and at the South Jacksonville Family Health Center, 3225 University Blvd. South, Suite 101 [8].

Sliding-fee community health centers

Federally funded health centers in Jacksonville must discount their fees by income. Find one near you with HRSA’s Find a Health Center tool [5]. Under federal rules [6]:

• At or below the poverty level: a full discount, though a small nominal fee may be charged.
• Above 200% of the poverty level: no required discount. In between, discounts slide with income.
• No one may be denied service because they can’t pay.

Each center sets its own scale, so ask for its fee schedule and what income proof it wants.

Which door to try first

• Hospital care at UF Health Jacksonville, income under 200% of poverty: apply for financial assistance [1].
• Uninsured and over that limit: ask UF Health about the 45% self-pay discount [1].
• Everyday care, shots or sexual health: DOH-Duval’s sliding-fee clinics [3][7][8], or a health center from HRSA’s tool [5].