How to apply for CHESI Pope County Clinic (Sliding Fee) + SIH Harrisburg — Financial Assistance (Pope County)

Who it's for

Pope County has NO hospital of its own. The local healthcare safety net is the CHESI Pope County Clinic in Golconda — part of Community Health & Emergency Services, Inc. (CHESI), a Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care on a sliding fee scale (as low as a few dollars per visit). For hospital-level care, residents travel to SIH Harrisburg Medical Center (Harrisburg, part of Southern Illinois Healthcare — the 71-bed community hospital serving Saline, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, White, and Williamson) or to Hardin County General Hospital (Rosiclare); the SIH hospitals in Carbondale/Herrin are farther north. DISTINCTIVE: Pope County has NO hospital of its own, so the local safety net is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). All FQHCs are federally required to serve everyone regardless of ability to pay and to charge income-eligible patients on a Sliding Fee Scale — fees can drop to a few dollars per visit. For hospital-level care, Illinois's Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act mandates free/discounted care at Illinois hospitals (free to ~200-300% FPL). Reach CHESI at 1-877-MYCHESI.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income (for the sliding fee scale)
• Proof of Pope County / Illinois residency
• Photo identification
• Proof of uninsured status or insurance gap
• Medical bill or pre-treatment estimate

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about CHESI Pope County Clinic (Sliding Fee) + SIH Harrisburg — Financial Assistance (Pope 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 (for the sliding fee scale), proof of pope 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

annual (sliding fee redetermination)