Take Maria, for example. When she came in for a checkup, she wasn’t sure if her family qualified for Medicaid or if she’d have to pay out-of-pocket. She had a folder full of paperwork, but the forms and requirements felt confusing. With help from our Benefits and Enrollment team, Maria left with a clear plan, new coverage in place, and peace of mind knowing her kids would be taken care of.
That’s exactly what our team is here for — to walk alongside you, not just fill out forms, but make sure you understand your options, feel supported in the process, and leave with a plan that works for you and your family.
Helping You Get Covered
When you visit any PCH location, our Benefits and Enrollment team makes sure you’re covered. If you don’t have insurance, we’ll ask questions to learn about your situation and figure out why. Maybe you’ve never applied before. Maybe your coverage recently ended. Whatever the case, we can help you explore what you qualify for and get you connected to benefits.
Preparing Ahead of Time
Sometimes, the stress comes before the appointment — What do I need to bring? Will I have the right papers? That’s why our team often calls before your visit. We’ll give you a list of the documents you need to apply for Medicaid or for our sliding scale program. That way you arrive prepared, and the process is smoother from the start.
Sliding Scale Options
If your income falls below federal poverty levels, you may qualify for our sliding scale program, which offers discounted payments based on your household income. To qualify, you’ll need:
- Documentation of household income from the past 30 days
- A letter of support if you are unemployed and receiving assistance
- Proof of address
- Proof of dependents
Pillars Community Health is part of the Community Healthcare Network of the Western Suburbs. Through partnerships with the Community Memorial Foundation and UChicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange, people who qualify for the sliding scale and live in certain areas may also receive discounted rates for specialty services. This means you can continue important care at a lower cost.
And here’s the best part: these partnerships — and the sliding scale itself — are made possible thanks to generous donations from individuals and our community. Together, we’re breaking down barriers to care.
Support with Medicaid and Insurance
Maybe you’re applying for Medicaid for the first time, or maybe it’s time for your annual redetermination (the regular review that checks whether you still qualify). Either way, our team can help you through the process.
If your insurance has been terminated, we can contact the provider to find out why. And if you’re transitioning from Medicaid to commercial insurance, we’ll walk you through new terms like:
- Co-pays — the fixed fees you pay for each service.
- Deductibles — the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.
Our goal is to make sure you understand your coverage and feel confident using it.
Meeting You Where You Are
Life is busy, and we get that. You can share your documents with us by email, or meet in person at a PCH location. Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling an appointment gives us time to focus fully on you.
You might also see us out in the community — at health fairs, resource events, or outreach tables — where you can stop by, ask questions, and get help on the spot.
Beyond Insurance
Coverage is just one part of overall well-being. That’s why we also help with applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If you need WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) services, we can connect you to a local office near your home.
Why This Matters
Maria’s story isn’t unique. Every day, people come to us with questions, concerns, or stacks of paperwork they’re not sure how to handle. And every day, our Benefits and Enrollment team helps turn that uncertainty into relief.
By connecting with us, you’re not just protecting your own health — you’re showing future generations the importance of accessing care. And thanks to the generosity of our community, PCH can continue making healthcare more accessible for everyone.
Ready to Get Started?
To make an appointment with PCH’s Benefits and Enrollment team, call 708-745-5277 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. During any visit to a PCH location, you may also be referred to our team to review your options. Either way, we’re here to help you navigate the process and find the coverage you need.