Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Northwestern Medicine McHenry + Huntley + Mercyhealth — Financial Assistance (McHenry County)
McHenry County hospital safety net: Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Huntley Hospital anchor the county; Mercyhealth (Crystal Lake / Harvard) and Advocate Good Shepherd (Barrington, just over the line) also serve residents. (Illinois hospital financial assistance)
Who it's for
McHenry County hospital safety net: McHenry = Northwestern Medicine McHenry + Huntley + Mercyhealth (Crystal Lake/Harvard) + Advocate Good Shepherd. 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: 815-344-5000.
McHenry: McHenry = Northwestern Medicine McHenry + Huntley + Mercyhealth (Crystal Lake/Harvard) + Advocate Good Shepherd. Illinois LAW mandates hospital financial assistance (free care to ~200-300% FPL) — apply even if unsure.
What you'll need
- Proof of household income
- Proof of McHenry 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: 815-344-5000
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.