Cook County Health Financial Assistance: Free Care at 200% FPL + CareLink Subsidized Plan (2026 Guide)
Cook County Health is the public safety-net hospital system for Cook County, Illinois, operating John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital (a Level 1 Trauma Center) and Provident Hospital in Chicago. As a county-funded system, Cook County Health serves all patients regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Under Illinois law, uninsured patients receive free care at 200% FPL and discounts up to 600% FPL. The system also offers CareLink (a subsidized health plan for the uninsured) and CountyCare (Medicaid managed care). Illinois banned medical debt from credit reports as of January 2025, adding another layer of patient protection.
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Quick Eligibility Summary
Who Qualifies for Cook County Health Financial Assistance?
100% Free Care (Illinois Law)
Under the Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act, uninsured patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for complete free care. For a single person in 2026, 200% FPL is approximately $31,920/year. For a family of four, it is approximately $65,600/year. This is a state mandate, not a voluntary hospital policy, which means Cook County Health is legally required to provide it.
Sliding Scale Discounts (200-600% FPL)
Illinois law also requires discounted care for uninsured patients with income between 200% and 600% FPL. At 600% FPL, that is approximately $95,760/year for a single person or $196,800/year for a family of four. The 600% FPL ceiling is one of the highest in the nation, meaning even middle-income patients can qualify for meaningful discounts.
Emergency Care for All Patients
As a public safety-net hospital with a Level 1 Trauma Center (Stroger Hospital), Cook County Health provides emergency and trauma care to every patient regardless of residency, insurance status, immigration status, or ability to pay. This is required by federal EMTALA law and reinforced by the system's public mission.
No Citizenship or Immigration Requirement
Cook County Health explicitly serves patients regardless of immigration status. Undocumented residents can access both financial assistance and the CareLink subsidized health plan. Cook County has a longstanding sanctuary ordinance that prohibits county employees from inquiring about immigration status for the purpose of federal immigration enforcement.
CareLink: Subsidized Health Plan (Key Insight)
CareLink is Cook County Health's subsidized health plan for uninsured Cook County residents who do not qualify for Medicaid or other insurance. Like Parkland's HEALTHplus in Dallas, CareLink is not insurance but provides comprehensive coverage at Cook County Health facilities for very low cost. It is one of the strongest county health plans in the country.
What CareLink covers:
- Primary care visits at Cook County Health clinics
- Specialty care and referrals within the Cook County Health system
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient services at Stroger and Provident
- Prescription medications at Cook County Health pharmacies
- Behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment
- Lab work, diagnostic imaging, and preventive screenings
Important details:
- CareLink only covers care at Cook County Health facilities. It does not work at other hospitals or clinics.
- Cook County residency is required. You must live in Cook County (Chicago or suburban Cook County).
- CareLink is not insurance under the ACA. It does not satisfy any insurance mandate.
- Available regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
Bottom line: If you are an uninsured Cook County resident and cannot get Medicaid, CareLink gives you access to comprehensive healthcare at two hospitals and a network of community health centers for very low cost. It is among the best county health programs in the nation.
Need Help with a Cook County Health Bill?
CareRoute can help you understand your options, draft appeal letters, and navigate the financial assistance application process. Our tools are designed to help patients advocate for themselves effectively.
Try Bill DefenseCountyCare: Medicaid Managed Care Plan
CountyCare is Cook County Health's Medicaid managed care plan. Unlike CareLink, CountyCare is actual Medicaid insurance that provides coverage both within and outside the Cook County Health system. Understanding the difference between CareLink and CountyCare is critical.
CareLink vs. CountyCare:
| Feature | CareLink | CountyCare |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Subsidized county plan | Medicaid managed care |
| Coverage network | Cook County Health only | Broader provider network |
| Eligibility | Uninsured Cook County residents | Medicaid-eligible residents |
| Immigration status | No requirement | Citizenship/eligible status required |
| Cost | Low premiums based on income | Free or very low cost |
Important: Illinois expanded Medicaid under the ACA, meaning adults up to 138% FPL may qualify. If you are a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status, check for CountyCare (Medicaid) first, as it provides broader coverage. If you do not qualify for Medicaid (often due to immigration status), CareLink is your best option.
Illinois Patient Protections (Key Insight)
Illinois has some of the strongest medical billing protections in the nation. These state laws apply to all Illinois hospitals, including Cook County Health, and provide significant safeguards for patients.
Critical protections you should know:
- Medical debt cannot appear on your credit report.As of January 2025, Illinois banned medical debt from consumer credit reports entirely. No Illinois medical bill, whether paid, unpaid, or in collections, can affect your credit score.
- Free care at 200% FPL is state law, not a hospital courtesy.The Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act mandates free care for uninsured patients at 200% FPL. Hospitals cannot choose to deny this, and you can file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General if they do.
- Discounts extend to 600% FPL for uninsured patients.This is one of the highest thresholds in the country. A family of four earning under ~$196,800/year qualifies for some level of discount on uninsured hospital charges in Illinois.
- Hospitals must screen patients for assistance before pursuing collections.Illinois requires hospitals to make reasonable efforts to determine if a patient qualifies for financial assistance, Medicaid, or other programs before sending bills to collections.
Cook County Health Hospitals and Clinics
John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital
Near West Side, Chicago
Level 1 Trauma Center. The flagship hospital of Cook County Health and one of the busiest public hospitals in the Midwest. Full-service acute care, trauma, burn center, and teaching hospital.
Provident Hospital
Bronzeville, South Side Chicago
Historic hospital serving Chicago's South Side. Provides emergency services, inpatient care, outpatient clinics, and community health programs. Provident was the first Black-owned hospital in the U.S.
Cook County Health Community Clinics
Multiple locations across Cook County
Network of ambulatory care centers and community health centers throughout Chicago and suburban Cook County. Primary care, specialty care, and preventive services.
Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center
Near West Side, Chicago
One of the largest HIV/AIDS care facilities in the Midwest. Comprehensive care for patients living with HIV, including primary care, specialty services, and pharmacy.
All Cook County Health facilities share the same financial assistance policies. CareLink and financial assistance applications accepted at any location. The same financial counseling services are available across the system.
How to Apply for Cook County Health Financial Assistance
Contact Patient Financial Services
Call Cook County Health at (312) 864-0200 or visit the financial counseling office at Stroger Hospital or Provident Hospital. You can also ask at the registration desk or emergency department. Financial counselors are available to help you navigate your options at no cost.
Gather Your Documents
You will typically need: proof of Cook County residency (utility bill, lease, or Illinois ID with Cook County address), proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a statement of no income), proof of household size, government-issued identification, and your Cook County Health medical bills or account numbers.
Get Screened for Multiple Programs
A financial counselor will review your situation and screen you for all available programs simultaneously. This includes CareLink, CountyCare (Medicaid), Illinois Medicaid, marketplace insurance with subsidies, and the Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act. This one-stop screening is a major advantage of applying through Cook County Health.
Complete the Application
Fill out the appropriate application with help from your financial counselor. If you qualify for CareLink, enrollment provides ongoing coverage for future visits, not just the current bill. Keep copies of all documents you submit and ask for written confirmation of receipt.
Receive Your Determination
Cook County Health will review your application and notify you of the decision. If approved for free care or discounts under the Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act, the adjustment will be applied to your eligible bills. If enrolled in CareLink, your coverage begins for future visits as well.
If Your Application Is Denied
If Cook County Health denies your financial assistance application, you still have strong options, especially given Illinois state law:
- 1.Request a written explanation of the denial reason. Common reasons include residency documentation issues or incomplete income verification.
- 2.Provide additional documentation. If denied for insufficient proof of residency or income, gather stronger documentation and resubmit. Financial counselors can help identify what is missing.
- 3.Cite the Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act. If you are uninsured and at or below 200% FPL, free care is a legal mandate, not a discretionary benefit. The hospital is legally obligated to provide it. Reference the specific statute in your appeal.
- 4.File a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General if you believe the hospital violated state law by failing to provide mandated financial assistance. The AG's office has enforcement authority over hospital financial assistance compliance.
- 5.Contact the Cook County Board of Commissioners. As a public hospital system, Cook County Health is accountable to elected county officials. Commissioner contact information is available at cookcountyil.gov.
- 6.Remember the credit report protection. Even if your appeal is pending, Illinois law prevents any medical debt from appearing on your credit report as of January 2025. This means you have time to resolve the situation without credit damage.
Denied? Let Us Help You Appeal
CareRoute can help you draft an appeal letter citing Illinois state law, identify the right provisions to reference, and build a compelling case for why your application should be reconsidered.
Start Your Appeal with Bill DefenseContact Information
Cook County Health serves patients at two hospitals and multiple community health centers throughout Cook County, Illinois. Contact patient financial services for help with billing, financial assistance, CareLink enrollment, and CountyCare Medicaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for free care at Cook County Health?
Under the Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act, uninsured patients with household income at or below 200% FPL qualify for 100% free care. This is approximately $31,920/year for a single person or $65,600/year for a family of four in 2026. This is a state law requirement, not a voluntary hospital policy.
What is CareLink and how does it differ from insurance?
CareLink is Cook County Health's subsidized health plan for uninsured residents. It is not insurance but provides comprehensive coverage at Cook County Health facilities (Stroger Hospital, Provident Hospital, and community clinics) for very low cost. It covers primary care, specialty care, hospital stays, prescriptions, and behavioral health. It is available regardless of immigration status.
What is the difference between CareLink and CountyCare?
CountyCare is Cook County Health's Medicaid managed care plan for patients who qualify for Illinois Medicaid. It provides broader coverage across more providers. CareLink is for uninsured residents who do not qualify for Medicaid (often due to immigration status or other factors). If you qualify for Medicaid, CountyCare is usually the better option. If not, CareLink is your path to coverage.
Can undocumented immigrants receive care and financial assistance?
Yes. Cook County Health serves all patients regardless of immigration status. CareLink is available to undocumented Cook County residents. Cook County has a sanctuary ordinance prohibiting county employees from inquiring about immigration status for federal enforcement purposes. Your immigration status will not be reported.
Does Illinois ban medical debt from credit reports?
Yes. As of January 2025, Illinois law prohibits medical debt from appearing on consumer credit reports. This applies to all medical debt, whether paid, unpaid, or in collections, from any Illinois provider. This is one of the strongest medical debt protections in the country and means Cook County Health bills cannot damage your credit score.
What discounts exist for patients between 200% and 600% FPL?
Under Illinois law, uninsured patients with income between 200% and 600% FPL receive discounted care on a sliding scale. The exact discount varies by income level. At 600% FPL (approximately $95,760/year for a single person), you still qualify for some discount. This 600% FPL ceiling is one of the highest in the nation.
Is Stroger Hospital a trauma center?
Yes. John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital is a Level 1 Trauma Center, the highest designation. It is one of the busiest trauma centers in the nation. Emergency and trauma care is provided to all patients regardless of insurance, residency, or ability to pay. Stroger also has a dedicated burn center and serves as a major teaching hospital.
How do I apply for financial assistance at Cook County Health?
Call (312) 864-0200 or visit the financial counseling office at Stroger Hospital or Provident Hospital. Bring proof of Cook County residency, proof of income, identification, and your medical bills. A financial counselor will screen you for CareLink, CountyCare, Medicaid, financial assistance discounts, and other programs in a single visit.
Related Guides
Illinois state protections and other Chicago-area hospital financial assistance programs may provide additional options beyond Cook County Health.
Last updated: May 2026. Information is based on publicly available Cook County Health financial assistance policies and Illinois state law. Always confirm current eligibility requirements directly with Cook County Health Patient Financial Services at (312) 864-0200.