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
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.
