Hospital financial assistance in Illinois: what the law guarantees
Illinois law gives uninsured patients free or discounted hospital care based on income: who qualifies, the 20% cap and Chicago-area hospital policies.
Who qualifies
Uninsured Illinois residents with family income up to 200% of the federal poverty level get a 100% discount on medically necessary care at non-rural hospitals; up to 600% get a discount on bills over $150 per visit.
Source: Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act (210 ILCS 89), checked 2026-10-17
The 20% cap
An eligible uninsured patient pays no more than 20% of family income to a hospital in a 12-month period (assets may be considered).
Source: Illinois Health and Hospital Association, checked 2026-10-17
Insured patients too
Many hospitals go further than the law and help insured patients with large balances. Each hospital’s own policy is linked on its page below.
Source: Example: Rush financial assistance, checked 2026-10-17
If something goes wrong
Complaints about a hospital’s financial assistance process can go to the Illinois Attorney General Health Care Helpline at 1-877-305-5145.
Source: Illinois Attorney General, checked 2026-10-17