Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas has one of the best financial assistance programs in the country. If you're uninsured or underinsured, READ THIS.
Who qualifies:
- Any Dallas County resident
- Income-based sliding scale: if your income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for free or reduced care
- 2026 FPL 200%: ~$30,120/year for a single person, ~$62,400 for a family of 4
- Source: parklandhealth.org/patients-visitors/financial-assistance
What's covered:
- ER visits
- Hospital stays
- Outpatient care and clinics
- Prescriptions (Parkland pharmacy)
- Specialty care
- Mental health services
How to apply:
- Visit the Parkland Financial Counseling office (1st floor, main hospital)
- Bring: photo ID, proof of Dallas County residence, proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or letter from employer)
- Or call: (214) 590-8060
- Apply before OR after your visit — they can retroactively apply assistance
What most people don't know:
- You can apply AFTER receiving a bill. Don't ignore Parkland bills — call and apply for assistance.
- Parkland's pharmacy prices are significantly lower than retail even without assistance.
- The Community Health Centers (Parkland COPC clinics) throughout Dallas County provide primary care on a sliding scale.
Parkland COPC locations: 20+ clinics across Dallas County. Source: parklandhealth.org/locations
Sources:
- Parkland Health financial assistance page
- Dallas County Health & Human Services
- Personal experience helping family navigate the system
Don't let bills keep you from getting care. Parkland exists for this reason.
Real talk — what are your thoughts?
The COPC clinics are the best kept secret in Dallas County healthcare. Full primary care, sliding scale, locations all over the county. Use them.