Cook County Erases Millions in Medical Debt for Residents
CHICAGO – May 9, 2024 – The Cook County Medical Debt Relief initiative, launched in 2022, has already erased millions of dollars in medical debt for over half a million residents, providing crucial financial relief. The program, a partnership with Undue Medical debt, targets individuals struggling with healthcare costs. This impactful initiative from Cook County allows those burdened by healthcare expenses to regain financial stability. for more details on eligibility, read on.
Cook County Erases Millions in Medical Debt for Residents
Cook County has made meaningful strides in alleviating the burden of medical debt for its residents. A program launched several years ago is providing much-needed relief to individuals and families struggling with unmanageable healthcare costs.
The Medical Debt Relief Initiative
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle highlighted the program’s success, emphasizing the county’s commitment to supporting residents facing financial hardship due to medical expenses.
We’re stepping in where the system has failed and where families would otherwise be left to shoulder these costs alone.
Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President
The Medical Debt Relief Initiative, initiated in 2022 with $9 million in COVID funds, partners with Undue Medical Debt, a company specializing in purchasing and forgiving uncollectible medical bills.
Impact and Reach
Since its inception, the program has erased a staggering $665 million in medical debt for over 550,000 Cook county residents.This initiative provides a lifeline for those burdened by healthcare costs, allowing them to regain financial stability and access necessary medical care without fear of crippling debt.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for debt relief, individuals must meet specific income requirements or have a significant portion of their income consumed by medical debt:
- Income no more than four times the poverty level.
- Medical debt that’s 5% or more of their annual income.
The human Impact
The impact of debt forgiveness extends beyond mere financial relief. It alleviates the mental and emotional stress associated with overwhelming medical bills, encouraging individuals to seek necessary healthcare without hesitation.
It’s a mental weight that’s been lifted from them. That the burden of owing that medical bill is no longer there. We’ve also heard both from our constituents as well as hospitals that those whose medical debt is forgiven tend to return to care. they’re less afraid of going back to the doctor or hospital system to receive either preventative or emergency care as well.
Courtney Werpy Story, Vice President, Undue Medical Debt
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Cook County is committed to sustaining the Medical Debt Relief Initiative. With federal funding set to expire next year, the county is exploring options to independently finance the program, ensuring continued support for its residents.
