How to apply for Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital (DeKalb) — Financial Assistance (DeKalb County)

Who it's for

DeKalb County hospital safety net: Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital (DeKalb) is the county's anchor, with Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital (Sandwich) serving the south of the county. Northwestern Medicine's financial-assistance program is generous — FREE care for households at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, with discounts up to 600% FPL. 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.nm.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-and-insurance/financial-assistance. Phone: 855-481-0844.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income
• Proof of DeKalb 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 Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital (DeKalb) — Financial Assistance (DeKalb 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 dekalb 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