Hospitals give big price breaks to uninsured.

Under the new Illinois Law effective April 1, discounts will be mandatory for people in urban areas who are uninsured and earn up to 600% of the federal poverty level ($127, 200 for a family of four). In rural areas - 300% of poverty (63,600 for a family of four).

Price brakes for poor and low-income patients are typically much more generous. Also, charges can vary widely among hospitals.