CareLink is only accepted by providers at CCH facilities.

To schedule an appointment with a Cook County Health physician, please call 312-864-0200

Once you are approved for CareLink, it is documented in the CCH system. When you make your appointment, let the scheduler know that you have CareLink. Also, when you arrive for the appointment, present your CareLink card to the registrar. 

CareLink will discount any medical services provided at a CCH facility. CareLink also covers limited dental and vision (excludes glasses) services, however, prescriptions are not covered. The pharmacy at CCH will fill any CCH prescription for $4 per prescription up to $20. 

Once you receive a bill for services, you can make your payment. You may either pay online https://ipn.paymentus.com/rotp/cche, by phone (844) 598-9841, by mail or by making an in-person payment at one of our walk-in locations listed below. We currently accept payments online, in cash, check or money order. Please make any checks or money orders payable to Cook County Health. 

Yes, participants must reapply for CareLink annually or it will expire.

The eligibility period is effective for up to 12 months from the initial approval. Renewal should happen in the 12th month. 

Yes, CCH has Financial Counselors at each location who can help you reapply for CareLink.

You will need the same documents you presented when you initially signed up for CareLink.

Identification

• Valid passport
• Green card
• Birth certificate
• Photo ID

Income

• Paycheck stubs
• Signed letter from job with contact information
• Paid in cash form

Proof of Cook County Address

• Utility bill i.e., gas, electric, water
• Telephone bill
• Bank Statement
• Letter from a church

You can apply before being seen at a Cook County Health (CCH) location or after you have been seen at a CCH facility.

Individuals with certain private/employer sponsored insurance coverage may be eligible for CareLink if CCH is an in-network provider with their Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or if the individual has a PPO or traditional “fee-for-service.” These individuals are considered “underinsured” and may apply for CareLink to receive a partial discount on total out-of-pocket costs, excluding co-pays, which are not covered by the individual’s private insurance (e.g., annual deductible or co-insurance). Individuals may also be considered underinsured if they are enrolled in a limited-benefit plan.

Eligibility is determined during your meeting with the Financial Counselor.

If you lose your approval letter, you can get a copy by going to see any Financial Counselor.

No, CareLink is not a government program.

CareLink is a payer of last resort. Financial Counselors must explore potential eligibility for other funding program sources (e.g., Medicaid, etc.) prior to certifying individuals for eligibility. If an individual is eligible for another financial assistance program, the individual will be provided with appropriate application assistance prior to being assessed for CareLink eligibility.

A family, for purposes of determining eligibility, consists of a person living alone or persons living together where one or more individuals have financial responsibility for the support of the others.

Currently, applications for CareLink must be completed in person with a Financial Counselor.

Yes, CCH has Financial Counselors at each location who can help you apply for CareLink and other forms of financial assistance.

CareLink covers limited dental and vision (excludes glasses) services however, prescriptions are not covered. The pharmacy at CCH will fill any CCH prescription for $4 per prescription up to $20.

CCH does not offer transportation to appointments.

The goal of the service is to give you the support needed to improve their health. The care coordinator is a person who helps the patient work toward being healthy through frequent clinic visits and phone calls with the patient, their caregivers, and their doctors. They help to make healthcare easier to manage by doing the following:

• Keeping track of the patient’s illnesses and medications
• Helping the patient to plan their doctor visits
• Helping the patient to set healthcare goals

No, you do not have to be a United States citizen, but you must be a resident of Cook County for at least 30 days prior to applying to CareLink.

Yes, your spouse can apply on your behalf if they have all the required documentation.

No, you are not eligible for CareLink if you are in the country on a Visiting Visa B2.