Cook County Hospital, also known as John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital, is a public hospital located in Chicago, Illinois, and is part of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS). As a safety-net hospital, Cook County Hospital provides medical care to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. But can you go to Cook County Hospital without insurance? In this article, we will explore the hospital’s policies and options for uninsured patients.
Understanding Cook County Hospital’s Mission and Policies
Cook County Hospital’s mission is to provide high-quality, patient-centered care to all individuals, regardless of their income or insurance status. The hospital is committed to serving the most vulnerable populations, including the uninsured, underinsured, and those with limited access to healthcare.
To achieve this mission, Cook County Hospital has implemented various policies and programs to ensure that all patients receive the care they need, regardless of their ability to pay. These policies include:
- Financial Assistance Program (FAP): Cook County Hospital offers a FAP to help patients who are uninsured or underinsured pay for their medical care. The program provides discounts on hospital bills based on the patient’s income and family size.
- Sliding Fee Scale: The hospital uses a sliding fee scale to determine the amount of financial assistance a patient is eligible for. The scale takes into account the patient’s income and family size.
- Charity Care: Cook County Hospital provides charity care to patients who are uninsured and have a low income. Charity care is free or reduced-cost care provided to patients who meet certain eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Financial Assistance and Charity Care
To be eligible for financial assistance or charity care at Cook County Hospital, patients must meet certain criteria. These criteria include:
- Income Guidelines: Patients must have a low income, which is typically defined as 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or lower.
- Residency Requirements: Patients must be residents of Cook County, Illinois.
- Immigration Status: Patients must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or have a valid visa.
How to Apply for Financial Assistance and Charity Care
Patients who are interested in applying for financial assistance or charity care at Cook County Hospital can do so by:
- Contacting the Hospital’s Financial Counseling Department: Patients can contact the hospital’s financial counseling department to speak with a financial counselor who can help them determine their eligibility for financial assistance or charity care.
- Completing an Application: Patients must complete an application for financial assistance or charity care, which requires documentation of their income, family size, and residency status.
- Providing Required Documentation: Patients must provide required documentation, such as proof of income, identification, and residency.
Other Options for Uninsured Patients
In addition to financial assistance and charity care, Cook County Hospital offers other options for uninsured patients, including:
- Community Health Centers: Cook County Hospital has partnerships with community health centers throughout Cook County, which provide primary care services to uninsured patients.
- Specialty Clinics: The hospital offers specialty clinics, such as dental and vision clinics, which provide care to uninsured patients.
- Emergency Department: Cook County Hospital’s emergency department provides emergency care to all patients, regardless of their insurance status.
How to Access Care at Cook County Hospital
Uninsured patients can access care at Cook County Hospital by:
- Visiting the Emergency Department: Patients can visit the emergency department for emergency care.
- Making an Appointment at a Community Health Center: Patients can make an appointment at a community health center for primary care services.
- Contacting the Hospital’s Financial Counseling Department: Patients can contact the hospital’s financial counseling department to speak with a financial counselor who can help them determine their eligibility for financial assistance or charity care.
Conclusion
Cook County Hospital is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. While having insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection, it is not a requirement for receiving care at Cook County Hospital. Uninsured patients can access care at the hospital through various options, including financial assistance, charity care, community health centers, specialty clinics, and the emergency department. If you are uninsured and need medical care, do not hesitate to reach out to Cook County Hospital to learn more about your options.
| Contact Information | Phone Number | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Cook County Hospital | (312) 864-6000 | 1901 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612 |
| Financial Counseling Department | (312) 864-6120 | 1901 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612 |
Note: The contact information and address listed in the table are subject to change, and patients should verify the information before visiting the hospital or contacting the financial counseling department.
Can I go to Cook County Hospital without insurance?
You can go to Cook County Hospital without insurance. Cook County Hospital, also known as John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital, is a public hospital that provides medical care to all patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. The hospital offers a financial assistance program to help patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
The hospital’s financial assistance program is designed to help patients who are struggling to pay their medical bills. To be eligible for the program, patients must meet certain income guidelines and provide documentation of their income and expenses. Patients who are eligible for the program may receive discounted or free care, depending on their financial situation.
What services are available at Cook County Hospital?
Cook County Hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, primary care, specialty care, and surgical services. The hospital has a 24-hour emergency department that is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses. The hospital also has a variety of specialty clinics, including clinics for cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and oncology.
In addition to its medical services, Cook County Hospital also offers a range of support services, including social work, nutrition counseling, and patient education. The hospital’s staff is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to all patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
How do I apply for financial assistance at Cook County Hospital?
To apply for financial assistance at Cook County Hospital, patients can contact the hospital’s financial counseling department. Patients can also apply for financial assistance online or in person at the hospital. To apply, patients will need to provide documentation of their income and expenses, including pay stubs, tax returns, and bills.
The hospital’s financial counseling department will review the patient’s application and determine their eligibility for financial assistance. Patients who are eligible for the program will receive a letter outlining the terms of their financial assistance, including any discounts or free care they may be eligible for.
What are the income guidelines for financial assistance at Cook County Hospital?
The income guidelines for financial assistance at Cook County Hospital vary depending on the patient’s family size and income level. Generally, patients who have incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for free care, while patients who have incomes between 201% and 400% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for discounted care.
Patients who have incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level may not be eligible for financial assistance, but they may still be able to receive care at the hospital. Patients who are unsure about their eligibility for financial assistance should contact the hospital’s financial counseling department for more information.
Can I get emergency care at Cook County Hospital without insurance?
Yes, you can get emergency care at Cook County Hospital without insurance. The hospital’s emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides emergency care to all patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. The hospital’s emergency department is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses who are trained to handle a wide range of medical emergencies.
Patients who come to the emergency department without insurance will be treated and stabilized, regardless of their ability to pay. After they are stabilized, patients may be eligible for financial assistance or other programs to help them pay for their care.
How long does it take to get an appointment at Cook County Hospital?
The time it takes to get an appointment at Cook County Hospital varies depending on the type of appointment and the availability of the hospital’s clinics. Patients who need emergency care can come to the hospital’s emergency department at any time, while patients who need non-emergency care may need to wait several days or weeks for an appointment.
Patients who are uninsured or underinsured may be able to get an appointment more quickly through the hospital’s financial assistance program. Patients who are eligible for the program may be able to get an appointment within a few days, while patients who are not eligible for the program may need to wait longer.
Can I get specialty care at Cook County Hospital without a referral?
In some cases, patients may be able to get specialty care at Cook County Hospital without a referral. The hospital offers a variety of specialty clinics, including clinics for cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and oncology. Patients who need specialty care can contact the hospital’s specialty clinics directly to schedule an appointment.
However, some specialty clinics may require a referral from a primary care physician. Patients who are unsure about whether they need a referral should contact the hospital’s specialty clinics for more information.