Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Washington County Hospital (Nashville) — Financial Assistance (Washington County)
Illinois hospital financial assistance
Who it's for
Washington County hospital safety net: Washington County Hospital (Nashville) is the county's anchor — a county-owned critical-access hospital. Qualified patients receive financial assistance based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines; apply within 60 days of service through the hospital Business Office. 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.washingtoncountyhospital.org/billing-information/. Phone: 618-327-2213.
Washington: Washington = Washington County Hospital (Nashville, county-owned critical access) — FPL-based financial assistance. Illinois LAW mandates hospital financial assistance (free care to ~200-300% FPL).
What you'll need
- Proof of household income
- Proof of Washington 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: 618-327-2213
What to say when you call
“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Washington County Hospital (Nashville) — Financial Assistance (Washington 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 washington 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
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.
