Rush University Medical Center Financial Assistance: Free Care to 200% FPL, Discounts to 600% FPL (2026 Guide)
Rush offers some of the most generous financial assistance in Illinois. Uninsured patients with income at or below 200% FPL receive 100% free care through presumptive charity (no application needed if enrolled in SNAP, WIC, or TANF). The full Charity Care Program covers patients up to 300% FPL, and an 80% uninsured discount extends all the way to 600% FPL. The policy covers all three Rush campuses: Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Rush Oak Park Hospital, and Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora.
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Quick Facts
100% Free Care (Presumptive)
Uninsured patients at 0-200% FPL (single: up to ~$31,920/yr) get automatic free care if enrolled in SNAP, WIC, TANF, or similar programs. No application required.
Charity Care to 300% FPL
100% bill reduction for uninsured and insured patients with family income at or below 300% FPL (~$47,880/yr single). Covers deductibles and coinsurance for insured patients.
80% Discount to 600% FPL
Uninsured patients with income up to 600% FPL (~$95,760/yr single) receive an 80% discount. Underinsured patients at 301-400% FPL also get 80% off.
3 Hospital Campuses
Covers Rush Chicago, Rush Oak Park, and Rush Copley (Aurora). Same policy across all three locations.
Illinois Credit Report Protection (Since Jan 2025)
Under Illinois Public Act 103-0648, medical debt cannot appear on your credit report. Rush cannot damage your credit score with unpaid medical bills, giving you more leverage to negotiate. Learn more about your Illinois medical bill rights.
Eligibility & Income Limits (2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Income Level (% FPL) | Approximate Income (Single) | Program & Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-200% FPL | Up to ~$31,920/yr | Presumptive Charity: 100% Free (no app needed if on SNAP/WIC/TANF) |
| 0-300% FPL | Up to ~$47,880/yr | Charity Care: 100% Bill Reduction (application required) |
| 301-400% FPL | ~$47,881 - ~$63,840/yr | Underinsured Discount: 80% off (for underinsured patients) |
| 0-600% FPL | Up to ~$95,760/yr | Uninsured Discount: 80% off (for uninsured patients) |
| Any income | Varies | Catastrophic Balance: Bills capped at 20% of household income |
| Above 600% FPL (uninsured) | Above ~$95,760/yr | Self-Pay Discount: 50% off |
Important Notes
- Insured patients with income at or below 300% FPL qualify for Charity Care covering deductibles and coinsurance.
- Presumptive eligibility means no application is needed if you are enrolled in SNAP, WIC, TANF, Illinois Free Lunch, LIHEAP, or receiving Grant Assistance.
- The Catastrophic Balance Program caps bills at 20% of household income on a rolling twelve-month basis, regardless of income level.
- Under Illinois law (210 ILCS 89), the maximum collectible amount is 25% of family income in a 12-month period.
- Apply within 240 days of discharge or outpatient service.
- Rush will never charge eligible patients more than Amounts Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
Illinois State Law Protections (210 ILCS 89)
Illinois has one of the strongest hospital financial assistance laws in the country. The Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act (210 ILCS 89) sets minimum protections that Rush and all Illinois hospitals must follow.
What Illinois Law Requires
- 100% free care for uninsured patients at or below 200% FPL for medically necessary services over $300
- Discounts required for uninsured patients up to 600% FPL
- Maximum collection limited to 25% of family income in any 12-month period
- Credit report ban (since January 2025): Medical debt cannot appear on your credit report under Public Act 103-0648
- Hospitals must screen patients for Medicaid and financial assistance eligibility
Rush Goes Beyond State Minimums
- Rush provides 100% charity care up to 300% FPL (state only requires free care to 200% FPL)
- Rush offers presumptive eligibility for patients on SNAP, WIC, TANF, and similar programs
- The Catastrophic Balance Program caps bills at 20% of income (stricter than the state's 25% cap)
- Even uninsured patients above 600% FPL get a 50% self-pay discount
Read our full guide to Illinois medical bill rights and protections.
3 Hospital Campuses Covered
Rush University Medical Center (Chicago)
The flagship campus on Chicago's Near West Side. Rush is the largest employer on the West Side and a nationally ranked academic medical center. Through its Anchor Mission Strategy and the West Side United collaborative, Rush has invested over $6 million in community health equity initiatives, local hiring, and neighborhood economic development.
Rush Oak Park Hospital
Community hospital serving Oak Park and the surrounding western suburbs. Same financial assistance policy as the main Rush campus.
Rush Copley Medical Center (Aurora)
Full-service hospital in Aurora serving the Fox Valley region. Covered under the same Rush financial assistance policy.
All three campuses follow the same financial assistance eligibility criteria and application process.
Documents You Will Need
Income Verification
- Recent pay stubs (all household members)
- Most recent federal tax return
- Benefit letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
- Self-employment income records
- Bank statements (if no other income documentation)
Other Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of household size
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Proof of enrollment in SNAP, WIC, TANF, or LIHEAP (for presumptive eligibility)
Presumptive Charity Care (no application needed): If you are uninsured and enrolled in SNAP, WIC, Illinois Free Breakfast/Lunch, LIHEAP, Community Based Medical Assistance, or receiving Grant Assistance, you may qualify automatically. Just provide proof of enrollment.
Important: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Make sure every field is filled out and the application is signed before submitting.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Check Your Eligibility
Presumptive charity care (100% free, no application) if on SNAP/WIC/TANF and uninsured at 0-200% FPL. Charity Care (100% free) up to 300% FPL. Uninsured discount (80% off) up to 600% FPL. Self-pay discount (50% off) above 600% FPL. Catastrophic Balance Program caps bills at 20% of income.
Contact Financial Counseling
Call (312) 942-5967 (Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm) or email financial_counselor@rush.edu. A counselor can help determine which program fits your situation and walk you through the application.
Complete the Application
Download from rush.edu/financial-assistance, request a copy at any Rush hospital registration area, or request a free copy by mail. Fill out completely and sign.
Submit Your Application
You can submit by:
- MyChart: Upload application and supporting documents online
- Mail: Rush University Medical Center, ATTN: Financial Counselors, 1653 W. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612
- Email: financial_counselor@rush.edu
- In person: Patient admission or registration area at any Rush hospital
Follow Up
Call (312) 942-5967 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: Unsigned or incomplete applications cause delays. Double-check before submitting.
- Not asking about presumptive eligibility: If you are on SNAP, WIC, or TANF, you may not need a formal application at all.
- Ignoring the Catastrophic Balance Program: Even if your income is too high for charity care, your bills may still be capped at 20% of household income.
- Paying before applying: Apply for assistance before setting up a payment plan. You may owe far less than you think.
Overwhelmed by a Rush Hospital Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your bill, verify you are getting every discount you qualify for, and negotiate with Rush on your behalf. No upfront cost, and you only pay if we save you money.
Get Help with Your Rush BillPayment Plans & Other Options
Interest-Free Payment Plans
Rush offers interest-free monthly payment plans for up to 12 months. No interest accrues while you are making payments. Contact customer service at your Rush hospital to set one up, or manage payments through MyChart.
Medicaid and Government Assistance
Rush will help you apply for Medicaid or other government assistance programs. Illinois Medicaid covers residents up to 138% FPL. If you qualify, Medicaid may cover your bill retroactively for up to three months.
Request an Itemized Bill
Always request an itemized bill before paying. Review every line item for duplicate charges, services you did not receive, and billing code errors. Call (312) 942-5693 or (866) 761-7812 for billing questions.
What to Watch Out For
Outpatient Billing Practices
Some patients have reported that Rush and its physician groups bill care as outpatient hospital services, which can significantly increase out-of-pocket costs compared to physician office billing. If you receive a surprisingly high bill, request an itemized statement and ask whether your services were billed under facility fees.
Past Billing Controversies
Rush has faced federal scrutiny in the past, including a $10.2 million Medicare billing dispute flagged by the HHS Office of Inspector General (2017), a $1 million settlement for improper clinical trial billing (2005), and a $1.5 million settlement related to a whistleblower lawsuit involving orthopedic surgery billing practices. While these involved Medicare (not patient billing), they are worth knowing about. Always review your bills carefully.
Your Illinois Credit Report Protection
Since January 1, 2025, medical debt cannot appear on your credit report in Illinois. If you see Rush medical debt on your credit report, dispute it with the credit bureau and cite Illinois Public Act 103-0648. This protection applies even if the debt is valid and unpaid.
What If You Are Denied?
1. Contact Financial Counseling
Call (312) 942-5967 to discuss the denial. Common reasons include income above the threshold, incomplete documentation, or missing signatures.
2. Ask About Other Programs
Even if denied for Charity Care, you may qualify for the Uninsured Discount (80% off up to 600% FPL), the Underinsured Discount, the Catastrophic Balance Program (bills capped at 20% of income), or the Self-Pay Discount (50% off).
3. Reapply with Complete Documentation
If your situation has changed or your original application was incomplete, submit a new application with full documentation. Make sure it is signed and every field is filled out.
4. Know Your Illinois Rights
- Illinois law requires free care for uninsured patients at or below 200% FPL (210 ILCS 89)
- Maximum collection is 25% of family income in any 12-month period
- Medical debt cannot appear on your credit report in Illinois
- Rush must screen you for Medicaid eligibility before denying assistance
Let CareRoute Bill Defense Help
If your application was denied or you need help negotiating your Rush bill, CareRoute Bill Defense can review your case and negotiate on your behalf at no upfront cost.
Get Help with Your BillContact Information
Financial Counselors
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Billing Questions
Mail & In Person
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Rush financial assistance?
Uninsured patients at or below 200% FPL qualify for presumptive charity care (100% free, no application needed if on SNAP/WIC/TANF). The Charity Care Program covers uninsured and insured patients up to 300% FPL with a 100% bill reduction. Uninsured patients up to 600% FPL get an 80% discount, and the Catastrophic Balance Program caps bills at 20% of household income regardless of income level.
What is presumptive charity care?
Presumptive Charity Care provides 100% free care for uninsured patients without a formal application. You qualify if enrolled in SNAP, WIC, Illinois Free Breakfast/Lunch, LIHEAP, Community Based Medical Assistance, or receiving Grant Assistance. Just provide proof of enrollment to your Rush financial counselor.
Does Rush cover insured patients?
Yes. Insured patients with family income at or below 300% FPL can receive Charity Care covering deductibles and coinsurance after insurance pays. Underinsured patients at 301-400% FPL receive an 80% discount on their remaining balance.
Which Rush hospitals are covered?
The policy covers all three Rush campuses: Rush University Medical Center (Chicago), Rush Oak Park Hospital (Oak Park), and Rush Copley Medical Center (Aurora). All follow the same eligibility criteria and application process.
Can Rush put medical debt on my credit report?
No. Since January 1, 2025, Illinois law (Public Act 103-0648) prohibits medical debt from appearing on consumer credit reports. If you see Rush medical debt on your report, dispute it with the credit bureau. The debt still exists, but it cannot affect your credit score.
How long do I have to apply?
You have 240 days from discharge or receipt of outpatient care to submit a complete financial assistance application. Do not wait, as applying early gives you the best chance of a smooth process.
Need Help with Your Rush Hospital Bill?
CareRoute Bill Defense can review your medical bills, identify every discount and program you qualify for, and negotiate with Rush on your behalf. 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 Rush University System for Health 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 Rush at (312) 942-5967 or visit rush.edu/financial-assistance.