A nonprofit health care clinic in Normal that serves a largely uninsured clientele is hoping an update to its patient income qualifications will encourage more people to seek services.
The Community Health Care Clinic [CHCC] is now accepting applicants who make up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level [FPL], according to an email the clinic sent to donors. Previously, applicants could make up to 185% of the FPL.
Updated 2025 poverty guidance says that a single household falling within 250% should make no more than $39,125 a year and a four-family household, no more than $80,375 a year. This is according to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
Executive Director Holly Wayland-Hall said in the email the organization’s policy was outdated and forced the clinic to turn away many potential clients.
“In the last two years, CHCC had discharged or not accepted hundreds of patients who exceeded income qualifying criteria, but otherwise had no other access to healthcare,” she said. “A review of applicant data and comparison with other free and charitable clinics in Illinois revealed that an increase was in order.”
This marks the first time CHCC — which offers primary, dental and behavioral health care — is updating its guidance for patient income qualifications since the nonprofit opened over three decades ago. The nonprofit noted the minimum wage has increased by $10 since then.
CHCC is encouraging patients who were previously turned away, as well as new patients who meet the updated criteria, to apply for services.
Wayland-Hall wrote in the email the clinic’s hope is “that we can once again be the medical home for those who have no other way to access health care, so they can manage chronic medical conditions and be able to continue working and providing for their families.”
