How to apply for Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center (Mattoon) — Financial Assistance (Coles County)

Who it's for

Coles County hospital safety net: Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center (Mattoon) is the county's anchor — a regional not-for-profit hospital that also serves the surrounding rural counties. Households at or below 204% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for FREE care, and families up to 322% qualify for discounted care. DISTINCTIVE to Illinois: state law (the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act + Fair Patient Billing Act) REQUIRES hospitals to provide financial assistance — uninsured patients at or below 200% (rural/critical-access) or 300% (urban) of the Federal Poverty Level generally receive free care, with capped discounts above that. Most Illinois hospitals have a robust charity-care policy as a result. Apply at the hospital financial counseling office or at https://www.sarahbush.org/billinginformation/. Phone: 217-258-2525.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income
• Proof of Coles County / Illinois residency
• Photo identification
• Proof of uninsured status or insurance gap
• Hospital bill or pre-treatment estimate

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center (Mattoon) — Financial Assistance (Coles County). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of household income, proof of coles county / illinois residency, photo identification — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

per-encounter or annual