Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for CGH Medical Center (Sterling) — Financial Assistance (Whiteside County)
Whiteside County hospital safety net: CGH Medical Center (Sterling) — an independent community hospital, the county's anchor; care is not dependent on ability to pay, and qualifying patients can receive up to 100% discounts on hospital and clinic charges. Quad Cities (Iowa/Illinois) hospitals also serve the south county. (Illinois hospital financial assistance)
Who it's for
Whiteside County hospital safety net: Whiteside = CGH Medical Center (Sterling, independent) — up to 100% discounts; + Quad Cities reach. 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.cghmc.com/patients-visitors/billing-information/financial-assistance/. Phone: 815-625-6065.
Whiteside: Whiteside = CGH Medical Center (Sterling, independent) — up to 100% discounts; + Quad Cities reach. Illinois LAW mandates hospital financial assistance (free care to ~200-300% FPL).
What you'll need
- Proof of household income
- Proof of Whiteside 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: 815-625-6065
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.