Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Alton Memorial (BJC) + Anderson + OSF Saint Anthony's — Financial Assistance (Madison County)
Madison County hospital safety net: Alton Memorial Hospital (Alton — BJC HealthCare) anchors the north county; Anderson Hospital (Maryville — an independent not-for-profit) anchors the Edwardsville/Maryville area; OSF Saint Anthony's (Alton) and Gateway Regional (Granite City) also serve residents. BJC's financial-assistance policy applies the Illinois Uninsured Patient Discount Act across its hospitals. (Illinois hospital financial assistance)
Who it's for
Madison County hospital safety net: Madison = Alton Memorial (BJC) + Anderson Hospital (Maryville, independent) + OSF Saint Anthony's + Gateway Regional. 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.bjc.org/patient-care/billing-financial-assistance/financial-assistance. Phone: 618-463-7311.
Madison: Madison = Alton Memorial (BJC) + Anderson Hospital (Maryville, independent) + OSF Saint Anthony's + Gateway Regional. Illinois LAW mandates hospital financial assistance (free care to ~200-300% FPL).
What you'll need
- Proof of household income
- Proof of Madison 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: 618-463-7311
What to say when you call
“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Alton Memorial (BJC) + Anderson + OSF Saint Anthony's — Financial Assistance (Madison 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 madison 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
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.
