Northwestern Memorial Hospital financial assistance: the complete 2026 guide
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the flagship academic medical center of Northwestern Medicine — one of Chicago's most prominent hospital systems. Under Illinois's Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act (210 ILCS 88), Northwestern Memorial is required to provide free care to uninsured patients under 200% FPL and meaningful sliding-scale discounts up to 400% FPL. This 2026 guide covers how to apply and what to expect.
Quick facts: Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Type: Nonprofit academic medical center (Northwestern Medicine system)
Location: Chicago, IL
Free care threshold: 200% FPL (Illinois law)
Discount threshold: Up to 400% FPL
Apply online: nm.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-information/financial-assistance
Apply by phone: 1-312-926-8400 (Northwestern Medicine Patient Financial Services)
What you need to know about Northwestern Memorial Hospital's financial assistance program
Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act
Illinois's 210 ILCS 88 requires all licensed hospitals — including for-profit facilities — to provide free care under 200% FPL and discounts to eligible patients above that threshold.
Mandatory under state law
Northwestern Memorial must provide completely free care to uninsured patients at or below 200% FPL — this is a legal requirement, not a discretionary program.
Meaningful sliding scale
Northwestern Memorial extends sliding-scale discounts to patients between 200% and 400% FPL, consistent with Illinois law and the hospital's own published policy.
Broader than federal law
Illinois's law covers all licensed hospitals — so even for-profit Northwestern Medicine facilities in Illinois are subject to these requirements.
2026 income limits for Northwestern Memorial Hospital financial assistance
The table below shows the 2026 federal poverty levels and what they typically mean for Northwestern Memorial Hospital financial assistance eligibility. Always verify current thresholds in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy at nm.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-information/financial-assistance — policies are updated at least annually.
| Household size | 100% FPL | 200% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $31,920 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $21,600 | $43,200 | $64,800 | $86,400 |
| 3 people | $27,240 | $54,480 | $81,720 | $108,960 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $66,000 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 people | $38,640 | $77,280 | $115,920 | $154,560 |
| 6 people | $44,280 | $88,560 | $132,840 | $177,120 |
The free care threshold at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is approximately 200% FPL (Illinois law). Sliding-scale discounts are available up to approximately Up to 400% FPL. Confirm the exact current tiers in the hospital's published Financial Assistance Policy before applying.
How to apply for financial assistance at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
-
Request an itemized bill first
Before applying, call Northwestern Medicine Patient Financial Services at 1-312-926-8400 and request a fully itemized statement of your charges. Review it carefully for errors — duplicate charges, services you didn't receive, or billing code mistakes are common. Correcting errors before applying means you're negotiating from the correct baseline.
-
Find and read the Financial Assistance Policy
Download Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Financial Assistance Policy from nm.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-information/financial-assistance. Read the income tiers and documentation requirements before filling out the application — knowing exactly what's needed makes the process faster and reduces the chance of a denial for missing documentation.
-
Complete the application
Download or request the financial assistance application from the same page, or ask for it at any Northwestern Memorial Hospital admissions or billing office. The application is free. Complete every section — incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays or initial denials.
-
Gather your documentation
Assemble all the documents listed in the section below. Keep copies of everything you submit. If submitting by mail, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery and a submission date.
-
Submit and follow up
Submit the completed application with all supporting documents. Call 1-312-926-8400 after 2–3 weeks to confirm receipt and get a case reference number. Ask how long processing typically takes and when you can expect a written determination.
-
Appeal if denied
If your application is denied, request the specific reason in writing and submit a formal written appeal with any additional or corrected documentation. See our full guide to appealing a denied charity care application for step-by-step instructions.
What documents does Northwestern Memorial Hospital require?
Most Northwestern Memorial Hospital financial assistance applications require the following documentation. The hospital's current Financial Assistance Policy at nm.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-information/financial-assistance is the authoritative list — confirm requirements before submitting.
- Northwestern Medicine Financial Assistance Application
- Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040)
- Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months)
- Government benefit award letters
- Bank statements if self-employed or income is irregular
- If no income: signed self-attestation letter
Applies to all Northwestern Medicine hospital locations in Illinois
Northwestern Memorial's financial assistance program applies to all Northwestern Medicine hospital facilities in Illinois — not just the flagship Downtown Chicago campus. If you were treated at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage, Delnor, Lake Forest, or any other Northwestern Medicine hospital in Illinois, the same financial assistance policy applies.
Where this page's information comes from
- 1.Northwestern Medicine Financial Assistance — www.nm.org
- 2.Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act, 210 ILCS 88 — www.ilga.gov
- 3.Illinois Attorney General, Patient Rights — illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
- 4.IRS Section 501(r) — Requirements for Nonprofit Hospitals — www.irs.gov
Verify with the hospital directly
Hospital financial assistance policies change at least annually and sometimes more frequently. Income thresholds, required documentation, and application processes may have changed since this page was last reviewed. Always confirm current details directly with Northwestern Memorial Hospital's financial assistance office before submitting an application.