How to apply for Memorial Hospital (Carthage) — Financial Assistance (Hancock County) in Illinois

Who it's for

Hancock County's hospital is Memorial Hospital in Carthage, a nonprofit hospital with Memorial Medical Clinics across the county. Its Financial Assistance Policy (revised 02/2026) is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines: households at or below 150% of poverty pay nothing; up to 200% pay 25% of the balance; up to 300% pay 50% of the balance; and after assistance a patient never owes more than 50% of the original charges. It covers uninsured and underinsured patients for medically necessary care at Memorial Hospital, Memorial Medical Clinics, Concord Medical Group, and Hancock County Senior Services (not Quincy Medical Group, Blessing Physician Services, or other outside providers). Some patients qualify automatically (for example, people who are homeless or who get energy assistance and food stamps). Illinois law (the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act) also requires rural and critical-access hospitals to discount bills for uninsured patients with income up to 300% of poverty. Apply within 240 days of the first bill. Call Memorial Hospital Patient Accounts at 217-357-6591; applications are at every hospital and clinic location and on mhtlc.org.

What you'll need

• Completed Memorial Hospital Financial Assistance Application
• Income verification (pay stubs, employer statement, or other proof of gross income)
• Income tax return from the previous year
• Hospital or clinic bill(s)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Memorial Hospital (Carthage) — Financial Assistance (Hancock 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 completed Memorial Hospital Financial Assistance Application, income verification (pay stubs, employer statement, or other proof of gross income), income tax return from the previous year — 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

every 6 months