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

Who it's for

Pope County has no hospital of its own. The local health care safety net is Community Health & Emergency Services, Inc. (CHESI), a Federally Qualified Health Center with a clinic in Golconda. CHESI offers primary medical, dental, behavioral health and specialty care in seven Southern Illinois counties, including Pope, and says it never turns anyone away because of their finances. Like all federally funded health centers, CHESI charges lower-income patients on a sliding fee scale based on income and household size. For hospital care, residents usually travel to nearby hospitals such as SIH Harrisburg Medical Center in Harrisburg or Hardin County General Hospital in Rosiclare. Illinois law requires hospitals to offer discounts to uninsured patients with lower incomes, so ask the hospital about financial assistance. Reach CHESI at 1-855-MYCHESI (1-855-692-4374).

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)