Chicago-area hospital financial assistance, explained
Income limits, how to apply and who to call for major Illinois hospital systems — summarized from each hospital’s official policy.
Northwestern MedicineFree care if household income is 2.5 times the federal poverty level or less (uninsured and insured patients).RushBills can be discounted up to 100% if family income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.UChicago MedicineHousehold income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level: 100% discount.Advocate Health (Illinois)A 100% discount for income below about 3 times the federal poverty level (the page lists dollar limits by family size, e.g. below $99,000 for a family of four).Loyola MedicineUninsured discounts are based on federal poverty level guidelines; all medically necessary services qualify for uninsured discounts.Endeavor HealthFree care for qualifying patients with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.Cook County HealthCareLink is for Cook County residents aged 19–64 without insurance.
Illinois law for uninsured patients
- 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.
- Uninsured residents with income up to 600% of the federal poverty level qualify for a discount on bills over $150 per visit.
- A hospital may collect no more than 20% of family income in a 12-month period from an eligible uninsured patient (assets may be considered).
- Rural and Critical Access Hospitals use different thresholds.
Source: Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act, checked 2026-10-17