If you’ve received a Carle Health bill you can’t pay — or you’re worried about an upcoming procedure — this guide explains what’s actually available, who qualifies, what to bring, and what to say to get the right help without delay.
Most patients who could qualify for Carle financial assistance never apply — either because they assume they won’t qualify or because they don’t know the program exists. These are the questions that come up most, answered plainly, before you spend time reading through every detail.
1 I have insurance and still can’t afford my Carle bill. Can I still apply? Yes. Carle’s assistance programs serve both insured and uninsured patients. Having insurance does not disqualify you. ▼
2 I already have a bill in collections. Is it too late to apply for assistance? No — assistance can be applied to past bills, including those sent to collections. There is no stated look-back deadline. ▼
3 I receive SNAP or Medicaid. Do I have to fill out a whole income application? Possibly not — Medicaid and SNAP recipients are presumptively eligible for a 100% discount and may not need to complete the full income verification process. ▼
4 My income is higher than poverty level — can I still get anything? Yes — discounts are available on a sliding scale up to 600% of the Federal Poverty Level, which covers a wide range of middle-income households. ▼
5 I go to one of the rural Carle locations. Is the process different? Somewhat — Carle’s rural health locations have their own policy with one important distinction: you will not be asked to apply for public assistance programs before receiving help. ▼
6 How long does the discount last once I’m approved? One year from the date of approval — after which you need to reapply. Set a reminder before the 12-month mark. ▼
7 What if I was denied the first time? Can I apply again? Yes — you can reapply after six months from the date of your original application, or sooner if your financial circumstances have changed significantly. ▼
Carle operates several distinct assistance programs. They are not interchangeable — they apply to different situations, income levels, and location types. Understanding which one fits you before you call will save time and frustration.
This is the main program and the one most patients should apply to first. CFAP covers services at Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Physician Group, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Carle Health Methodist/Pekin/Proctor Hospitals, Carle Danville Surgery Center, Carle Champaign Surgery Center, Carle Home Care, Carle Home Infusion, Carle Hospice, and Carle Therapy Services. Discounts are structured by household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level — see the income table below for exact thresholds. One application covers all participating Carle facilities simultaneously. Carle staff will match you with the most beneficial program for your situation — you don’t need to figure out which program fits; just apply and let them make that determination. Patients are never charged more than the Amount Generally Billed (AGB) to insured patients.
A separate program for patients seen at Carle’s rural and critical access facilities: Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center, Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital, Carle Richland Memorial Hospital, Carle Eureka Hospital, and their associated clinic locations including Carle Cissna Park, Carle Rossville, Carle Tuscola, Carle Watseka, Carle Mattoon on Hurst, Carle Bridgeport, Carle Olney clinics, Carle West Salem, Carle Eureka, Carle El Paso, and Carle Roanoke. No patient at these locations will be denied access due to inability to pay, and — importantly — no patient will be required to apply for public assistance programs as a condition of receiving assistance. The sliding fee schedule is based on income and family size. Contact your rural location’s registration desk to start the process.
This is a separate, state-mandated program that exists alongside CFAP. It is only for patients with no health insurance at all. Under Illinois law, uninsured patients whose household income does not exceed 600% of the Federal Poverty Level are entitled to a discount — and Carle’s program caps eligible hospital expenses at no more than 20% of your annual gross income. For a household earning $50,000 per year, that means your Carle hospital bill cannot exceed $10,000 regardless of the services received. When you submit a CFAP application, Carle staff automatically evaluate whether this program would result in a lower out-of-pocket cost for you — you don’t need to apply separately. The household income limit for Carle Foundation Hospital under this program is 600% FPL.
This isn’t a separate application — it’s a screening process Carle runs on your behalf. Using Experian financial data and certain qualifying criteria (including Medicaid enrollment, SNAP participation, and other indicators), Carle identifies patients who appear to qualify for the 100% discount level without requiring full income documentation. If you are identified as presumptively eligible, your discount is applied without you needing to gather and submit tax returns or pay stubs. This process is intended to catch the patients most in need before they even know help is available. You can also ask at registration whether you might qualify for presumptive eligibility — mentioning that you receive Medicaid or SNAP often triggers this review immediately.
As of April 15, self-pay patients (those with no insurance) are automatically screened for CFAP during the appointment scheduling process in Champaign-Urbana for certain departments including Audiology, ENT, Eye, General Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Plastic Surgery. If you are identified as a self-pay patient not eligible for CFAP, you may be asked to pay a portion of estimated charges before scheduling. Exceptions are in place for patients in active cancer treatment, pregnancy, newborn follow-ups, behavioral health services, post-surgery follow-up care, and other clinically urgent situations — these patients are not required to prepay. If you believe your situation qualifies for an exception, say so explicitly when you call to schedule.
This is the official Carle Health income table currently in effect. Find your household size in the left column and trace across to see which program you fall into. On mobile, each row will display as individual labeled fields for easier reading.
| Family Size | 100% Assistance (≤200% FPL) |
50% CFAP + IL Uninsured Max (200–300% FPL) |
CAP 40% of Income (300–400% FPL) |
IL Uninsured Discount Max (400–600% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Up to $31,920 | $31,921–$47,880 | $47,881–$63,840 | Up to $95,760 |
| 2 people | Up to $43,280 | $43,281–$64,920 | $64,921–$86,560 | Up to $129,840 |
| 3 people | Up to $54,640 | $54,641–$81,960 | $81,961–$109,280 | Up to $163,920 |
| 4 people | Up to $66,000 | $66,001–$99,000 | $99,001–$132,000 | Up to $198,000 |
| 5 people | Up to $77,360 | $77,361–$116,040 | $116,041–$154,720 | Up to $232,080 |
| 6 people | Up to $88,720 | $88,721–$133,080 | $133,081–$177,440 | Up to $266,160 |
| 7 people | Up to $100,080 | $100,081–$150,120 | $150,121–$200,160 | Up to $300,240 |
| 8 people | Up to $111,440 | $111,441–$167,160 | $167,161–$222,880 | Up to $334,320 |
| Each additional | +$11,360 | +$17,040 | +$22,720 | +$34,080 |
Income is based on adjusted gross income (AGI) as reported on the prior year’s federal tax return, for all household members. Assets are also considered — significant assets may affect eligibility even when income qualifies. The table above reflects the effective date of January 15, 2026. Figures may be updated when new Federal Poverty Level guidelines are published.
Carle offers more ways to apply than most health systems. Choose whatever is easiest for your situation — in person, by phone, by mail, or online. The outcome is the same regardless of how you submit.
Carle’s online application is available at carle.org/FinancialAssistance in both English and Spanish. It can be completed at any time — you don’t need an appointment or to call ahead. Note that the PDF download may not open correctly in all web browsers — if you have trouble with the download, use the online form at the link above instead. A French-language application is also available for download.
You can pick up and submit a paper application at any registration desk at any Carle facility or clinic. If you need help filling out the forms, Carle’s Case Management department will assist you at no charge. In-person submission allows staff to review your materials on the spot and flag anything missing before you leave — reducing the chance of delays due to incomplete documentation. Patient Financial Services representatives are physically located at Carle Foundation Hospital (Urbana Orchard Street Lobby), Carle Urbana South, Carle Champaign on Curtis, and several other main locations, available 8am–5pm.
Call Patient Financial Services to have an application mailed to your home, or to ask questions before applying. Completed applications can be submitted by mail, by email, or by fax. Email submission is the fastest mail-based option — the application with supporting documents can be sent directly to [email protected]. If you prefer not to share documents by email, mailing to the PO Box is equally accepted. Carle aims to send written determination within 30 working days of receiving a completed application.
A complete application gets processed faster. Missing a single document is the most common reason approvals are delayed. Gather these before you call or visit — most of them are things you likely already have at home.
Carle bases income eligibility on adjusted gross income (AGI) as shown on the most recent prior-year federal tax return. The return must include all household members — and if you are claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return, you need to submit their return as well. If you do not file a tax return because your income is too low, bring whatever documentation you have of your income sources — Social Security award letters, pension statements, or a written explanation. Carle staff can guide you on alternatives if tax returns are unavailable. Bring the actual return or a printed copy — a verbal income estimate alone will not suffice for a full application.
The Carle Financial Assistance Program is limited to Illinois residents — people who live in Illinois and intend to remain in the state. A current Illinois driver’s license, state ID, or utility bill with your name and address is sufficient. Non-residents may qualify for a one-time discount only in the case of emergency medical services — they are not eligible for the full year-long financial assistance approval that Illinois residents receive. Bring your most current address-bearing ID when you visit in person.
If you currently receive Medicaid or SNAP (food stamps), bringing your current card or the most recent award letter is one of the fastest ways to unlock the 100% discount level through presumptive eligibility. Show this to the registration staff or financial services representative as your very first step — in many cases this single document bypasses the need for tax return verification and speeds approval considerably. This is particularly useful for patients who don’t have their tax return readily available or who haven’t filed one recently.
The application accounts for all income sources — not just employment. Social Security benefit letters, pension statements, rental income documentation, and other regular income sources should be included. Carle reserves the right to request additional documentation to verify income and assets, so proactively bringing everything up front avoids a second trip or a delay while waiting for follow-up requests. If someone in your household has significant assets (property, investments, savings accounts) beyond income, be aware that assets are also factored into the eligibility determination.
Do not ignore the bill and do not let it sit until it goes to collections without taking action. Call Patient Financial Services at (888) 712-2753 the same week you receive the bill. Tell them plainly: “I received a bill I cannot pay and I’d like to apply for financial assistance.” If you receive Medicaid or SNAP, say that immediately — it may qualify you for presumptive eligibility at the 100% discount level without a lengthy application process.
While you’re waiting for the application to be processed, ask to set up a temporary payment plan — Carle can arrange installment payments while your assistance application is under review. Don’t wait to do both. The two processes can run simultaneously.
Apply for CFAP before your appointment if possible — approval covers any services received during the one-year period from the approval date, meaning if you’re approved before your procedure, that procedure falls under the assistance. Call (888) 712-2753 and explain that you’ve had a recent change in income and need to apply before receiving care. If your income dropped significantly after your last tax return was filed, mention this when you apply — the most recent return is the primary document used, but Carle staff can accept additional documentation showing your current income if your situation has materially changed.
CFAP serves insured patients — Medicare coverage does not exclude you. The program applies to your remaining balance after Medicare pays. Bring your Medicare card, your most recent Social Security benefit letter, and any other income documentation (pension statements, any investment income). If you’re on Medicare and also receive Medicaid (dual eligible), your financial exposure at Carle may already be very limited — ask the billing department to confirm what Medicare and Medicaid together cover before assuming you owe the balance on your statement. If you have a remaining balance after both pay, then apply for CFAP to cover what’s left.
If you’re seen at Carle Hoopeston, Carle Richland, Carle Eureka, or any of their associated rural clinic locations, ask specifically for the Carle Rural Health Financial Assistance Program at the front desk. The key advantages of this program compared to the main CFAP: you will not be asked to apply for Medicaid or other public programs before receiving help, and the process is simpler. The sliding fee schedule is still based on income and family size, but access is intended to be more direct. No one at a Carle rural health location will be denied care due to inability to pay.
You have two overlapping paths: CFAP (which may give you a 100% discount if your income qualifies) and the Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Program (which caps your hospital expenses at 20% of your annual gross income). Carle staff evaluate both and apply whichever is more beneficial to you — you don’t need to choose. Apply using any method (online, in person, by phone, or by mail). The state law is explicit: uninsured patients at income levels up to 600% of the Federal Poverty Level are entitled to some form of discounted billing. Even if you earn more than the 200% threshold for the full 100% discount, you are very likely eligible for something. Submit an application regardless of your income level and let Carle determine the appropriate tier.
A denial based on last year’s income does not reflect this year’s circumstances. If you’ve had a significant income reduction — job loss, reduced hours, a major medical expense that affected your finances, a change in household size — you can reapply. If it has been six months since your original application date, you can submit a new application now. If your situation changed in a meaningful way more recently than six months ago, call (888) 712-2753 and explain what changed — Carle staff can advise whether early reapplication is appropriate given your specific circumstances. Bring documentation of the income change (termination letter, reduced pay stubs, or similar).
When you arrive at any Carle facility for any service, the most useful thing you can say to registration staff is: “I’d like to know about financial assistance options.” This simple sentence triggers a different workflow than the standard check-in process — staff are trained to connect you with the right resources. You don’t need to know the program name or which tier you might fall into. That sentence puts the responsibility for finding the right fit on Carle staff, which is where it belongs.
When you submit a CFAP application and it is approved, that approval applies to all participating Carle facilities simultaneously — not just the one where you submitted it. If you submit at Carle Foundation Hospital and later need care at Carle BroMenn or a clinic in Champaign, your approved discount automatically applies there too. You don’t need to reapply for each location or each visit within your approval year. Keep a copy of your approval letter and reference your approval when checking in at any Carle location.
Carle’s policy does not state an explicit look-back limit for applying financial assistance to past bills. If you have old Carle balances — including bills currently with a collection agency — it is worth calling Patient Financial Services to ask whether those can be reviewed under CFAP. Medicaid recipients, in particular, are entitled to have old balances forgiven if their Medicaid was active at the time of service. The conversation is free to have, and the potential outcome is significant. Call (888) 712-2753 and reference any old account numbers you have.
Carle’s Case Management department exists partly to help patients navigate this process — including helping you fill out the financial assistance application. If the paperwork feels overwhelming, or if you’re unsure what income documentation applies to your household situation, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Ask at any Carle location to be connected with Case Management. This is especially useful for patients who are elderly, managing a complex medical situation, or whose household income sources are complicated (self-employment, retirement accounts, multiple family members).
Carle can set up a payment plan while your financial assistance application is being reviewed — these two processes don’t have to be sequential. A payment plan prevents the account from moving toward collections during the 30-working-day review period. Ask explicitly: “Can I set up a small payment plan while my application is being reviewed?” This shows good faith on your part and protects your account status while the formal determination is in progress. If your application is approved, the plan will be adjusted to reflect your new discounted balance.
Not all providers who see patients at Carle facilities participate in the Carle Financial Assistance Program. Some physicians, anesthesiologists, and specialists who see patients at Carle locations bill independently and are not covered under CFAP. Carle publishes a complete list of participating and non-participating providers on their website. If you receive a bill from a provider whose name you don’t recognize — or from a billing company rather than “Carle” directly — call the number on that bill and ask whether they participate in the Carle Financial Assistance Program before assuming your CFAP approval applies. Some non-participating providers have their own financial assistance programs.
This guide summarizes publicly available Carle Health financial assistance information in plain language for patient education purposes. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Carle Health or the Carle Foundation. Program eligibility thresholds, discount tiers, participating locations, and policies change — always verify current details directly with Carle Patient Financial Services at (888) 712-2753 or at carle.org/FinancialAssistance before making decisions. This content is original and does not reproduce copyrighted material from any source.