Benefits · Healthcare

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

Northwestern Medicine (Illinois hospital financial assistance)

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.

DeKalb = Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee (DeKalb) + Valley West (Sandwich). NM gives FREE care to 250% FPL, discounts to 600% FPL — among the most generous in Illinois.

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

Apply online: official application

By phone: 855-481-0844

Renewals

per-encounter or annual

Official source →Last verified · June 14, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.