Strengthening Collaboration to Support Uninsured Adults in McHenry County
Northwestern Medicine and Family Health Partnership Clinic (FHPC) in McHenry County, Illinois, are strengthening their collaboration to support uninsured adults, addressing rising health insurance costs and reduced coverage options. FHPC, a nonprofit facility in Crystal Lake, offers medical services on a sliding fee scale, ensuring care regardless of patients' financial status.
Catie Schmit, president of Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital, highlighted FHPC's vital role in the local healthcare safety net. She stated, "In a year when more residents are losing coverage or facing impossible insurance costs, their work has never been more crucial and Northwestern Medicine is proud to stand beside them."
The clinic anticipates an increase in patient numbers due to escalating insurance premiums and narrowing provider networks. FHPC is responding by hiring additional staff, expanding operations, integrating telehealth services, and improving care transition workflows. Executive Director Suzanne Hoban acknowledged the support from community partners like Northwestern Medicine in addressing these challenges.
According to Hoban, Northwestern Medicine's assistance—through volunteer medical professionals, access to specialty care, and financial contributions—has been instrumental in sustaining FHPC's operations. A grant funds staff salaries, supplies, and critical services such as an in-house pharmacy and food pantry. In 2025, the number of Northwestern Medicine physicians volunteering at FHPC more than doubled, enhancing patient care capacity without extending wait times.
Dr. Irfan Hafiz, Chief Medical Officer at Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley, and Woodstock hospitals, explained that volunteering physicians see the lifesaving impact of removing barriers like transportation and medication access. Specialized care needs are expedited through a streamlined process with Northwestern Medicine, providing financial assistance, surgeries, and follow-up services.
FHPC, unlike federally qualified health centers, is funded by community donors and partnerships, serving exclusively uninsured individuals. It offers comprehensive primary care alongside specialized clinics and support services to address social determinants of health. Many patients manage complex conditions in hospital settings, necessitating FHPC's integrated care approach.
Dr. John Guido of Northwestern Medicine emphasized FHPC's model, allowing continuous care and better long-term outcomes by consolidating services under one roof. With insurance costs dramatically rising—sometimes over $1,000 monthly—more residents may become uninsured. Schmit, an FHPC board member, expressed that the collaboration with Northwestern Medicine exemplifies successful community healthcare partnerships, advocating for timely treatment access to prevent critical emergencies. Visit FHPC's website for more information.