Hospital financial assistance at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois is an Illinois hospital, and 210 ILCS 89, Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act sets what it can charge patients who cannot afford the bill. Below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level the bill must be written off in full.
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How to apply at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital financial assistance policyPolicy link checked on September 27, 2026
Ownership and federal rules
CMS lists Northwestern Memorial Hospital as a nonprofit hospital. Nonprofit hospitals with federal tax exemption must follow IRS 501(r) rules: a written financial assistance policy, limits on what eligible patients are charged, at least 240 days to apply after the first bill, and a 120-day wait before extraordinary collection actions.
What we know about this hospital
- Hospital
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- City
- Chicago, IL
- County
- Cook
- Phone
- (312) 926-2000Main line: ask for financial assistance or billing
Hospitals in Illinois
These are the statutory minimums that apply to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The hospital's own written policy can be more generous, never less.
Up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Bill written off in full
210 ILCS 89
200%–600% of the Federal Poverty Level
Monthly payments capped at 25% of monthly household income
210 ILCS 89
What that means in dollars (2026 guidelines)
Yearly household income, before tax.
| Household | Free care up to (200%) | Help up to (600%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $31,920 | $95,760 |
| 2 people | $43,280 | $129,840 |
| 3 people | $54,640 | $163,920 |
| 4 people | $66,000 | $198,000 |
What Northwestern Memorial Hospital reported to the IRS (tax year 2024)
Nonprofit hospitals that file IRS Form 990 report their financial assistance policy every year on Schedule H. In its most recent filing, Northwestern Memorial Hospital (filed as Northwestern Memorial Hospital) reported:
| Free care for household income up to | 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $82,500 a year for a household of 4) |
|---|---|
| Discounted care up to | 600% of the Federal Poverty Level |
| Considers assets | Yes |
| Decides some patients' eligibility without an application | Yes, before collection actions |
Policies can change after a filing; the hospital's current written policy decides. Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule H, Part V, tax period ending 2025-08-31.
Common questions
Does Northwestern Memorial Hospital offer financial assistance for hospital bills?
Yes. Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois is covered by 210 ILCS 89, Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act, which requires Illinois hospitals to reduce or write off bills for patients below set income levels. You can reach the hospital on (312) 926-2000 (main hospital line: ask for the financial assistance or billing office).
What income qualifies for free care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital?
Income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualifies for a full write-off under 210 ILCS 89, Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act. On the 2026 federal poverty guidelines that is roughly $31,920 a year for one person and $66,000 a year for a household of four.
What discount can I get at Northwestern Memorial Hospital if I earn more than that?
Up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level: bill written off in full. 200%–600% of the Federal Poverty Level: monthly payments capped at 25% of monthly household income. These are the statutory minimums under 210 ILCS 89, Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act; Northwestern Memorial Hospital may have a more generous written policy.
How do I apply for financial assistance at Northwestern Memorial Hospital?
Ask Northwestern Memorial Hospital's financial assistance or billing office for its financial assistance application, by phone on (312) 926-2000, and put your request in writing. Run the free Brightbill check first so you know which income band 210 ILCS 89, Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act puts you in before you call.
Is the check for Northwestern Memorial Hospital bills free?
Yes. The eligibility check is free and anonymous: no account, no sign-in, and no name, hospital records, bill number or contact details. Coming soon: Brightbill will do it for you, free: the financial assistance application to the hospital and any surprise bill dispute, followed through to the answer. Leave your email after your check and we'll tell you when it opens.
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- Chicago BH Hospital - DBA Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital, Chicago
- Community First Healthcare of Illinois, Inc - DBA Community First Medical Center, Chicago
- Holy Cross Hospital, Chicago
See the full Illinois charity-care rules · Free 2-minute check
Takes about two minutes.
Legal basis: 210 ILCS 89, Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act requires Illinois hospitals to offer charity care and discount payment to eligible patients.
This is an estimate, not legal advice. Each hospital's financial assistance office makes the final decision. Terms · Health Data Privacy Policy.