Northwestern Medicine Financial Assistance: Free Care to 250% FPL + Discounts to 600% FPL (2026 Guide)
Northwestern Medicine (NMHC) provides 100% free care for uninsured patients with income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, sliding-scale discounts for income between 251-400% FPL, and catastrophic coverage up to 600% FPL. The policy covers all 11 hospitals and over 200 outpatient locations across Chicagoland and northern Illinois, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, one of the most expensive hospitals in the Chicago area.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care
Uninsured patients at 0-250% FPL (single: up to ~$39,900/yr) receive completely free medically necessary care
Discounts to 400% FPL
Sliding-scale discounts for uninsured patients with income between 251-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single)
Catastrophic Coverage to 600% FPL
Patients at 401-600% FPL may qualify if medical bills exceed 20% of annual household income
240-Day Application Window
From your date of discharge or outpatient service. Written decision within 30 days of complete application.
11 Hospitals Covered
All Northwestern Medicine hospitals and 200+ outpatient locations across Chicagoland and northern Illinois
IL Credit Report Protection
Since January 2025, Illinois law bans medical debt from appearing on your credit report
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-250% FPL | Up to ~$39,900/yr | 100% Free Care |
| 251-300% FPL | ~$39,901 - ~$47,880/yr | Significant discount (sliding scale) |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | Partial discount (sliding scale) |
| 401-600% FPL | ~$63,841 - ~$95,760/yr | Catastrophic: balance above 20% of annual income |
| Above 600% FPL | Above ~$95,760/yr | Not eligible (payment plans available) |
Important Notes
- Both insured and uninsured patients may be eligible for financial assistance.
- Northwestern Medicine exceeds Illinois state law, which requires free care only to 200% FPL. NM extends free care to 250% FPL.
- The catastrophic coverage tier (401-600% FPL) caps your responsibility at 20% of annual household income.
- Patients with Medicaid who have balances from up to 12 months before their coverage effective date receive 100% assistance automatically.
- Apply within 240 days of your discharge or outpatient service date.
- NM will never charge FA-eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
- Financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary services at all NM facilities.
Illinois State Law Protections
Illinois has some of the strongest hospital financial assistance laws in the country. These protections apply at every Northwestern Medicine hospital, and NM's own policy goes even further in several areas.
210 ILCS 89: Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act
- Free care required for uninsured patients at or below 200% FPL (NM goes further: 250% FPL)
- Discounts required for uninsured patients up to 600% FPL for bills over $150
- Applies to medically necessary inpatient and outpatient services
- Hospitals must allow at least 60 days to apply after discharge or service
Medical Debt Credit Report Ban (Effective January 1, 2025)
- Illinois Public Act 103-0648 bans medical debt from credit reports
- Applies to all Illinois residents, even if debt has gone to collections
- This is a state law, not a federal rule, so it remains in effect regardless of federal policy changes
- Does not apply to medical debt charged to a general-purpose credit card
Presumptive Eligibility
- If you are enrolled in SNAP, WIC, Free Lunch/Breakfast, or LIHEAP, you may be presumptively eligible for free care without a full application
- Hospitals must apply presumptive eligibility before issuing any bill
- Reflects the free care mandate for uninsured patients at up to 200% FPL
Learn more about your full rights under Illinois law in our Illinois Medical Bill Rights guide.
11 Hospitals Covered
Chicago Campus
Northwestern Memorial is one of the most expensive hospitals in Chicago, with charges approximately 1.23x the national average. Financial assistance is especially important here.
Suburban & Regional Hospitals
Plus 200+ outpatient locations, imaging centers, and physician offices across Chicagoland and northern Illinois.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Most recent federal tax return
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment records if applicable
- Documentation for all household members
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Proof of household size (tax return filing status)
- Medical bills or account numbers
- Proof of enrollment in SNAP, WIC, or LIHEAP (for presumptive eligibility)
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Make sure every required field is filled out, the application is signed, and all supporting documents are included. Family size is based on the number of individuals listed under "Filing Status" on your most recent tax return.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Free care for uninsured patients at 0-250% FPL (~$39,900/yr single). Sliding-scale discounts at 251-400% FPL (~$63,840/yr single). Catastrophic coverage at 401-600% FPL (~$95,760/yr single) if medical bills exceed 20% of annual income.
Contact Financial Counseling
Call 800-423-0523 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm) and choose option 5. You can also visit a Financial Counseling office at any Northwestern Medicine hospital. A counselor can help determine which program fits your situation and assist with the application.
Complete the Application
Download from nm.org or request by phone. Fill out completely, including household income and family size (based on your tax return filing status). Sign the application.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- In person: Financial Counseling office at any NM hospital
- Mail or fax: Call 800-423-0523 for the address and fax number
- Deadline: Within 240 days of discharge or outpatient service
Receive Your Decision
Northwestern Medicine will issue a written decision within 30 calendar days of receiving your complete application. Call 800-423-0523 to confirm receipt and check status. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Apply within 240 days of discharge or outpatient service.
- Incomplete application: Missing signatures, blank fields, or absent documentation will delay or prevent approval.
- Wrong family size: Family size is based on your tax return filing status, not who lives in your home.
- Ignoring presumptive eligibility: If you receive SNAP, WIC, or LIHEAP, tell the hospital immediately. You may qualify for free care without a full application.
- Assuming you do not qualify: The catastrophic tier extends to 600% FPL (~$95,760/yr single). Many middle-income patients with large bills qualify.
Overwhelmed by a Northwestern Medicine Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your bill, check for errors, and negotiate with Northwestern Medicine on your behalf. Northwestern Memorial is one of the priciest hospitals in Chicago, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. No upfront cost to get started.
Get Help with Your BillPayment Plans
If you do not qualify for financial assistance (or have a remaining balance after assistance), Northwestern Medicine offers payment plan options:
- Extended Payment Plans: NM offers payment arrangements for patients who cannot pay the full balance at once. Call 800-423-0523 (option 5) to discuss options.
- Online bill pay: Available through the NM patient portal at nm.org.
- Financial counselors can help you set up a plan that works for your budget.
Tip: Always apply for financial assistance first, even if you think you may not qualify. Payment plans do not reduce your total bill. Financial assistance does.
Warnings and Things to Watch For
Northwestern Memorial Is Extremely Expensive
Northwestern Memorial Hospital charges approximately 1.23 times the national average. A major hip replacement at NMH can cost over $39,000, roughly 32% more than comparable hospitals just a few miles away. Even with insurance, your out-of-pocket costs can be substantial. This makes financial assistance and bill review especially important.
Billing Errors Happen
Northwestern Medicine has faced scrutiny over billing practices, including a whistleblower lawsuit alleging double billing of Medicare and NIH for the same patients, and cases where bills were sent to the wrong insurer, resulting in patients being sent to collections for charges that were not their responsibility. Always request an itemized bill and review it carefully.
Physician Bills May Be Separate
Hospital financial assistance typically covers facility charges only. You may receive separate bills from physicians, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and other providers who are not employed by Northwestern Medicine. Ask each provider about their own financial assistance options.
Illinois Credit Report Protection
Good news: as of January 2025, medical debt cannot appear on your credit report in Illinois. However, Northwestern Medicine can still pursue other collection actions. Apply for financial assistance before your bill goes to collections.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Financial Counseling
Call 800-423-0523 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above the threshold, incomplete documentation, or missing signatures.
2. Invoke Illinois State Law
If you are uninsured and at or below 200% FPL, free care is required by Illinois law (210 ILCS 89), regardless of any hospital policy. If you are between 200-600% FPL, the hospital must offer a discount by law. Mention this if you believe your denial was in error.
3. Reapply with Additional Documentation
If your financial situation has changed or you can provide more complete documentation, submit a new application. Make sure it is fully completed and signed.
4. Explore Other Options
- Illinois Medicaid: Covers residents up to 138% FPL (apply at abe.illinois.gov)
- Catastrophic coverage: Even at 401-600% FPL, you may qualify if bills exceed 20% of income
- Payment plans: NM offers extended payment arrangements
- Request an itemized bill: Review all charges for errors
- Dollar For: Free nonprofit that helps patients apply for charity care at dollarfor.org
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Northwestern Medicine bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Financial Counseling
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Northwestern Medicine financial assistance?
Uninsured patients at or below 250% FPL (~$39,900/yr single) qualify for 100% free care. Patients at 251-400% FPL receive sliding-scale discounts. Patients at 401-600% FPL (~$95,760/yr single) may qualify for catastrophic coverage if their medical bills exceed 20% of annual household income. Both insured and uninsured patients may be eligible.
Does Illinois law require Northwestern Medicine to provide free care?
Yes. Under 210 ILCS 89 (the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act), all non-rural Illinois hospitals must provide 100% free care for uninsured patients at or below 200% FPL. Northwestern Medicine exceeds this by extending free care to 250% FPL. State law also requires discounts for uninsured patients up to 600% FPL.
Can medical debt affect my credit score in Illinois?
No. As of January 1, 2025, Illinois law (Public Act 103-0648) prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt on credit reports. This is a state law and remains in effect regardless of federal policy changes. However, this does not prevent hospitals from pursuing other collection actions such as lawsuits.
What is catastrophic coverage at Northwestern Medicine?
Patients with income between 401-600% FPL whose medical bills exceed 20% of their annual household income may qualify for catastrophic coverage. Under this tier, your responsibility is capped at the amount above 20% of your annual income. This helps middle-income patients facing unexpectedly large bills.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Northwestern Medicine will issue a written decision within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete financial assistance application. If your application is incomplete, the clock does not start until all required documents are submitted.
What if I receive SNAP, WIC, or other assistance?
Under Illinois law, enrollment in SNAP, WIC, the Free Lunch/Breakfast Program, or LIHEAP may make you presumptively eligible for free care without a full application. Tell the hospital about your enrollment as early as possible, ideally before any bill is issued.
Is Northwestern Memorial Hospital really more expensive than other Chicago hospitals?
Yes. Northwestern Memorial Hospital charges approximately 1.23 times the national average. A major hip replacement at NMH costs roughly $39,900, about 32% more than comparable hospitals just a few miles away. Insurance plan type also matters: the same procedure can vary by over 40% depending on which insurer is billed. This makes reviewing your bill and applying for financial assistance especially important.
Need Help with Your Northwestern Medicine Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify savings opportunities, and negotiate with Northwestern Medicine on your behalf. Northwestern Memorial is one of Chicago's most expensive hospitals, but you do not have to face it alone. No upfront cost.
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 Northwestern Medicine (NMHC) financial assistance policies and Illinois state law as of 2026. Eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with Northwestern Medicine at 800-423-0523 or visit nm.org. For questions about Illinois hospital billing laws, see our Illinois Medical Bill Rights guide.