Celebrate Illinois for Erasing $1.4 Billion in Medical Debt

No one should have to face crushing debt simply because they got sick or needed medical care—and Illinois is delivering life-changing relief to hundreds of thousands of families!

Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois' Medical Debt Relief Program has eliminated more than $1.4 billion in medical debt for approximately 694,000 residents. The program, launched about two years ago, has erased an average of $1,200 in debt for affected residents, with one person receiving relief from an astonishing $900,000 in medical bills. For families struggling with the financial burden of unexpected illnesses and injuries, this relief offers a chance to move forward without overwhelming medical debt hanging over their heads.

The success builds on efforts led by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who helped establish a similar local program. Together, Illinois and Cook County have eliminated approximately $2.4 billion in medical debt for 1.5 million residents. Working with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, these programs purchase or secure the donation of medical debt and eliminate it for eligible residents without requiring them to apply.

Pritzker and Preckwinkle have both committed to continuing funding for these initiatives, demonstrating how government programs can make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Their efforts are helping families regain financial stability while showing that medical debt relief can reach hundreds of thousands of people at a relatively modest public cost.

Add your name to applaud Governor JB Pritzker, Toni Preckwinkle, and Illinois leaders for eliminating billions in medical debt, delivering financial relief to families, and making healthcare more affordable for their communities!