Lurie Children's Hospital Financial Assistance: Discounted Care Up to 600% FPL (2026 Guide)
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago offers financial assistance to families who need help paying for pediatric medical care. Uninsured patients with family income at or below 600% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for discounted care, with a cap ensuring you never pay more than 20% of your family income in any twelve-month period. The hospital also connects families with Illinois Medicaid, All Kids, and other public assistance programs.
Quick Facts
Income Threshold
Uninsured patients at or below 600% FPL qualify for discounted care. Charity care is available for those at the lowest income levels.
20% Annual Cap
Total payments in any 12-month period cannot exceed 20% of your family income (Maximum Collectible Amount).
AGB Discount
Eligible patients are never charged more than the Amount Generally Billed (135% of the Medicare cost rate).
6-Month Approval Period
Each financial assistance determination remains in effect for six months from the date of approval.
Billing Protection
No person eligible for financial assistance will be charged more for emergency or medically necessary care than amounts generally billed to individuals who have insurance covering such care.
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Get Help with Your BillEligibility and Income Limits
Lurie Children's Hospital provides a tiered financial assistance program. Uninsured patients with family income at or below 600% FPL receive an Amount Generally Billed (AGB) discount, and total payments are capped at 20% of family income over any twelve-month period. Patients at the lowest income levels may qualify for full charity care (100% write-off).
| Income Level (FPL) | Family of 4 Income | Assistance Level |
|---|---|---|
| At or below 200% FPL | Up to ~$66,000/yr | Free Care (Charity Care) |
| 201% to 400% FPL | ~$66,001 to ~$132,000/yr | AGB Discount + 20% Annual Cap |
| 401% to 600% FPL | ~$132,001 to ~$198,000/yr | AGB Discount + 20% Annual Cap |
Income thresholds are approximate and based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. The AGB discount is calculated at 135% of Cost as reported on the Medicare Cost Report. Contact a financial counselor for your specific situation.
Additional Eligibility Details
- Eligibility is determined based on family size, income, and residency per Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Both insured and uninsured patients may be eligible depending on circumstances.
- Patients must cooperate in identifying and applying for all available payment resources (Medicaid, All Kids, etc.).
- Financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary services at Lurie Children's.
- The 20% Maximum Collectible Amount applies over any rolling twelve-month period.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return
- W-2 forms
- Social Security or disability benefit statements
- Unemployment compensation documentation
- Self-employment income records
Other Documentation
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance card (if insured)
- Medicaid or All Kids denial letter (if applicable)
- Household size documentation
- Bank statements (may be requested)
Need help gathering documents? Lurie Children's Financial Counselors at 312-227-1230 (option 2, then option 2) can guide you through the documentation process and help identify what you need for your specific situation.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Review the income limits above. If your family income is at or below 600% FPL, you likely qualify for some level of assistance. Even if you are unsure, it is worth applying.
Contact Financial Counseling
Call 312-227-1230 (select option 2, then option 2 again) to speak with a Financial Counselor. You can also call 312-227-7181 for information about charity care and government programs, or visit the Admitting Department on the 12th floor of the hospital.
Complete the Financial Assistance Application
Fill out the Financial Assistance Application form. You can obtain the form from a Financial Counselor, download it from the Lurie Children's website, or pick one up at the Admitting Department on the 12th floor.
Gather and Submit Documentation
Collect the required income and residency documents listed above. Submit your completed application and documentation. If your application is incomplete, you will be notified and have 60 days to provide additional information.
Apply for Public Programs
Lurie Children's may require you to apply for Medicaid, All Kids, or other government programs. Financial counselors will assist you with these applications at no cost. Patients must cooperate in identifying all available payment resources.
Receive Determination
Complete applications are reviewed within 10 business days, and you will receive a determination within 14 business days. If approved, your assistance is valid for six months.
Application Timeline
You can apply for financial assistance before or after receiving services. If you already have a bill, do not ignore it. Call 312-227-1230 (option 2, then option 2) as soon as possible to discuss your options. Ask for your account to be placed on hold while your application is being processed.
Illinois Public Programs
Lurie Children's financial counselors help families apply for Illinois public programs that may cover pediatric care. You may be required to apply for these programs before receiving hospital-based financial assistance.
Illinois Medicaid / All Kids
Free or low-cost health coverage for children in Illinois families meeting income requirements. All Kids covers children regardless of immigration status. Financial counselors assist with applications.
Division of Specialized Care for Children
Illinois state program for children with qualifying diagnoses. Lurie Children's can refer eligible patients directly. Covers specialty care and related services.
Financial counselors at Lurie Children's can also connect you with social service organizations and community resources. Call 312-227-7181 to learn about all available options for your family.
Tips for Lurie Children's Hospital Specifically
Apply early, even before treatment
If you know your child needs upcoming care, contact financial counseling before the appointment. Approval lasts six months, so getting approved early covers future visits as well.
Know the 20% annual cap
If your child has frequent visits or an ongoing condition, the 20% Maximum Collectible Amount protects your family from excessive costs over any twelve-month period. Track your total payments and reference this cap if billed beyond it.
Submit a complete application the first time
Incomplete applications trigger a 60-day clock. If you do not provide the missing information within 60 days, your application will be closed. Gather all documentation upfront to avoid delays.
Visit the 12th floor Admitting Department
If you are already at the hospital for an appointment, stop by the Admitting Department on the 12th floor. Staff there can help you start the financial assistance process in person and answer questions immediately.
Request an itemized bill
Before applying, request a detailed itemized statement. Review it for duplicate charges or errors. This can sometimes reduce your balance even before financial assistance is applied.
Ask about the Division of Specialized Care for Children
If your child has a qualifying diagnosis (such as a chronic condition or disability), Lurie Children's can refer you to this Illinois state program for additional coverage beyond standard financial assistance.
Contact Information
Financial Counseling
Hospital Address
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Lurie Children's financial assistance?
Uninsured patients with annual family income at or below 600% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for discounted care. Charity care (100% write-off) is available for families at the lowest income levels. Both insured and uninsured patients may be eligible depending on their specific circumstances.
What is the 20% Maximum Collectible Amount?
For uninsured patients with family income at or below 600% FPL, total payments in any twelve-month period cannot exceed 20% of your family income. This protects families with ongoing or high-cost care from excessive financial burden.
How long does the application take to process?
Complete applications are reviewed within 10 business days of receipt. You will receive a determination within 14 business days. If your application is incomplete, you have 60 days to provide the additional information before it is closed.
How long does financial assistance last once approved?
Each determination remains in effect for six months from the date of approval. After six months, you will need to reapply if you still require assistance for ongoing care.
Can Lurie Children's help me apply for Medicaid or All Kids?
Yes. Financial counselors assist with public aid applications for inpatients and can connect you with Medicaid, All Kids, the Division of Specialized Care for Children, and other Illinois programs. Call 312-227-7181 to discuss your options.
Does Lurie Children's offer payment plans?
Yes. Even if you do not qualify for full financial assistance, the hospital offers payment arrangements and sliding scale options. Contact Financial Counseling at 312-227-1230 (option 2, then option 2) to set up a plan that works for your family.
What does the AGB discount mean?
AGB stands for Amount Generally Billed. It means eligible uninsured patients will never be charged more than 135% of the cost as calculated on the Medicare Cost Report. This ensures you are not paying inflated chargemaster rates.
Related Resources
Illinois Medical Bill Rights
Learn about your rights under Illinois law, including the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act and billing protections for Illinois residents.
All Hospital Financial Assistance Guides
Browse financial assistance guides for other major hospital systems across the United States.
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Start Your Free Case ReviewThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Information is based on publicly available Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago financial assistance policies as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Lurie Children's Hospital at 312-227-1230 or visit luriechildrens.org.