ميديكيد: Medicaid is a public health insurance program that is jointly administered by the federal and state governments, helping people with limited income access affordable health care services, including doctors’ visits, hospital care, vision, dental and prescription coverage. Medicaid covers a wide range of people, including children, pregnant individuals, working adults, individuals with limited incomes, older adults including those who are also eligible for Medicare (dual eligibles), and people with disabilities.

Medicare: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 years or older, certain people with disabilities, and people with permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant. Medicare has two parts: Part A, which is hospital insurance, and Part B, which is medical insurance.

Insurance on the Illinois marketplace: The Health Insurance Marketplace provides options for affordable health insurance plans sold by insurance companies. Normally, you can only sign up for these plans in November and December. You may be able to enroll in health insurance at other times if you have certain “life events,” such as:

• Losing health insurance coverage
• Moving
• Getting married
• Having a baby
• Adopting a child

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): Community health centers that provide primary care and preventive services regardless of ability to pay.

Free and Charitable Clinics: A network of clinics providing free or reduced-cost care for uninsured and underinsured patients.

HFS Family Planning Program: Access a range of general and reproductive health services, including mammograms and cancer screenings. Services are available for eligible Illinois residents regardless of age or gender.

NAMI Chicago Helpline: Are you or a loved one struggling with mental health concerns or substance abuse? Local support is just a message away—no matter what you’re going through. Call or text HELPLINE to 833-NAMI-CHI (626-4244) to get connected now. A navigator can help you find care.

Many hospitals offer financial assistance programs for patients who do not have health insurance or cannot afford medical bills.

Know Your Options

• Charity Care Programs: Patients without insurance may qualify for free or discounted care through a hospital’s financial assistance program. Eligibility requirements vary by hospital.
• Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act: Eligible uninsured patients may receive discounts of up to 100% for medically necessary hospital services. Eligibility is based on household income and financial circumstances.
• Apply Early: Ask to speak with a financial counselor, patient advocate, or social worker before receiving care whenever possible. Staff can help determine eligibility and assist with applications for public insurance or charity care programs.
• Additional Assistance: Even if you do not qualify for charity care or public insurance, hospitals may offer payment plans or other forms of financial assistance.

CareLink is a free program that helps Cook County residents cover the cost of care at any Cook County Health facility.

CareLink discounts the cost of the following services: primary care visits, specialty doctor visits, clinic visits, lab tests, hospital stays and emergency services.

Apply for CareLink