How to apply for SIH Herrin Hospital + Heartland Regional (Marion) + Marion VA — Financial Assistance (Williamson County)

Who it's for

Williamson County hospital safety net: SIH Herrin Hospital (Herrin, part of Southern Illinois Healthcare) is the county's nonprofit anchor, with Heartland Regional Medical Center (Marion) and the Marion VA Medical Center (Veterans Health Administration, for eligible veterans) also serving the county; the SIH flagship (Memorial Hospital of Carbondale) is a short drive west. SIH's Healthcare Assistance Program (HAP) provides discounts on a sliding scale up to 100% of hospital charges for income-eligible 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 through SIH Patient Financial Services (1-800-457-1393) or at https://www.sih.net/patients-and-visitors/financial-resources/healthcare-assistance-program.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income
• Proof of Williamson 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 SIH Herrin Hospital + Heartland Regional (Marion) + Marion VA — Financial Assistance (Williamson 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 williamson 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