How to apply for OSF St. Mary Medical Center (Galesburg) — Financial Assistance (Knox County)

Who it's for

Knox County hospital safety net: OSF St. Mary Medical Center (Galesburg) is the county's anchor — a nonprofit OSF HealthCare hospital serving Galesburg since 1909 across a seven-county area (Knox, Warren, Henry, Mercer, Henderson, McDonough, and Fulton). OSF St. Mary now also operates the former Galesburg Cottage Hospital site and Knox Clinic. OSF's financial-assistance / Community Care program gives free or discounted care for low-income and uninsured patients. 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.osfhealthcare.org/hospitals/st-mary. Phone: 309-344-3161.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income
• Proof of Knox 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 OSF St. Mary Medical Center (Galesburg) — Financial Assistance (Knox 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 knox 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