Hospital financial assistance at Stanford Health Care
Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto, California is a California hospital, and Cal. Health & Safety Code sections 127400, 127405 sets what it can charge patients who cannot afford the bill.
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How to apply at Stanford Health Care
We have confirmed that Stanford Health Care lists mail for financial assistance.
- Mailing address: 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Stanford Health Care financial assistance policyPolicy link checked on September 27, 2026
Ownership and federal rules
CMS lists Stanford Health Care as a nonprofit hospital. Nonprofit hospitals with federal tax exemption must follow IRS 501(r) rules: a written financial assistance policy, limits on what eligible patients are charged, at least 240 days to apply after the first bill, and a 120-day wait before extraordinary collection actions.
What we know about this hospital
- Hospital
- Stanford Health Care
- City
- Palo Alto, CA
- County
- Santa Clara
- Phone
- 650-723-4000
Hospitals in California
These are the statutory minimums that apply to Stanford Health Care. The hospital's own written policy can be more generous, never less.
Up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
Hospital-specific policy applies
Cal. Health & Safety Code sections 127400, 127405
What that means in dollars (2026 guidelines)
Yearly household income, before tax.
| Household | Help up to (400%) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $86,560 |
| 3 people | $109,280 |
| 4 people | $132,000 |
What Stanford Health Care reported to the IRS (tax year 2024)
Nonprofit hospitals that file IRS Form 990 report their financial assistance policy every year on Schedule H. In its most recent filing, Stanford Health Care (filed as Stanford Health Care) reported:
| Free care for household income up to | 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $132,000 a year for a household of 4) |
|---|---|
| Discounted care up to | 400% of the Federal Poverty Level |
| Considers assets | Not stated |
| Decides some patients' eligibility without an application | Yes, before collection actions |
Policies can change after a filing; the hospital's current written policy decides. Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule H, Part V, tax period ending 2025-08-31.
Common questions
Does Stanford Health Care offer financial assistance for hospital bills?
Yes. Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto, California is covered by Cal. Health & Safety Code sections 127400, 127405, which requires California hospitals to reduce or write off bills for patients below set income levels. You can reach the hospital on 650-723-4000.
How do I apply for financial assistance at Stanford Health Care?
Ask Stanford Health Care's financial assistance or billing office for its financial assistance application, by phone on 650-723-4000, and put your request in writing. Run the free Brightbill check first so you know which income band Cal. Health & Safety Code sections 127400, 127405 puts you in before you call.
Is the check for Stanford Health Care bills free?
Yes. The eligibility check is free and anonymous: no account, no sign-in, and no name, hospital records, bill number or contact details. Coming soon: Brightbill will do it for you, free: the financial assistance application to the hospital and any surprise bill dispute, followed through to the answer. Leave your email after your check and we'll tell you when it opens.
Other California hospitals nearby
- Lucile Packard Children'S Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto
- El Camino Hospital, Mountain View
- El Camino Hospital Los Gatos, Los Gatos
- Good Samaritan Hospital-San Jose, San Jose
- Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, Hollister
- Kaiser Foundation Hospital - San Jose, San Jose
See the full California charity-care rules · Free 2-minute check
Takes about two minutes.
Legal basis: Cal. Health & Safety Code sections 127400, 127405 requires California hospitals to offer charity care and discount payment to eligible patients.
This is an estimate, not legal advice. Each hospital's financial assistance office makes the final decision. Terms · Health Data Privacy Policy.