How to apply for Mercyhealth FHN Hospital (Freeport) — Financial Assistance (Stephenson County)

Who it's for

Stephenson County hospital safety net: Stephenson = Mercyhealth FHN Hospital (formerly FHN Memorial) (Freeport, independent) — free/discounted care ≤300% FPL; the county anchor. 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.mercyhealthsystem.org/patientsvisitors/billing-information/financial-assistance/. Phone: 815-599-6000.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income
• Proof of Stephenson 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 Mercyhealth FHN Hospital (Freeport) — Financial Assistance (Stephenson 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 Stephenson 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