How to apply for Memorial Health (Springfield Memorial Hospital) + HSHS St. John's — Financial Assistance (Sangamon County)

Who it's for

Sangamon County hospital safety net: Springfield is a major downstate medical hub anchored by two nonprofit systems — Memorial Health (Springfield Memorial Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center) and HSHS St. John's Hospital — plus SIU Medicine. Both Memorial Health and HSHS offer Patient Financial Assistance / Community Care programs with 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 either hospital's financial counseling office: Memorial Health at https://memorial.health/financial/assistance/, or HSHS St. John's (https://www.hshs.org/about-us/patient-financial-services/illinois-financial-assistance, 833-464-1778).

What you'll need

• Proof of household income
• Proof of Sangamon 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 Memorial Health (Springfield Memorial Hospital) + HSHS St. John's — Financial Assistance (Sangamon 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 Sangamon 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