Illinois Erases $430 Million in Medical Debt, Helping Over 357,000 Residents
Illinois’ Medical Debt relief Program has achieved a significant milestone in its first year, eliminating nearly $430 million in medical debt for over 357,800 residents across all 102 counties. On average, illinoisans have seen over $1,100 in debt forgiven.
Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “Too many working families are facing real financial uncertainty and higher healthcare costs. Illinois will keep stepping up to ensure the most vulnerable Illinoisans can focus on their health and their families-not on crushing medical debt.”
The program, spearheaded by the Illinois department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), is part of a larger initiative to eliminate $1 billion in medical debt over several years. HFS director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn affirmed the program’s positive impact, saying, “One year in, the medical debt relief program has been life-changing for hundreds of thousands of peopel in Illinois.” It reflects a broader commitment to improving health outcomes and supporting Illinois families.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton underscored the state’s dedication to health equity, emphasizing, “In Illinois, we believe healthcare is a right, not a priviledge. No one should have to balance their health against their checkbook.” The program demonstrates a strong return on investment,with every state dollar invested resulting in the erasure of over $100 in medical debt.
A $15 million reappropriation in the FY26 state budget will allow the program to continue acquiring and forgiving outstanding medical debt. State Senator Mike Simmons expressed his pride in the program’s success, noting, “Illinois is one of the first states to provide medical debt relief, and we have now erased $430 million in debt for over 357,000 people.”
Illinois partners with the national nonprofit undue medical Debt to purchase and forgive bundled medical debts. Allison sesso, CEO of Undue Medical Debt, commended Illinois’ proactive approach, stating, “I’m grateful that Illinois continues to take bold action on the medical debt crisis at a time when it is indeed worsening for families nationwide.”
Eligible Illinois residents will automatically receive notification letters once their debts have been eliminated – no application is required. The program is actively seeking partnerships with additional Illinois hospital systems to expand its reach.
For more data, please visit the HFS website: https://hfs.illinois.gov/info/medicaldebtrelief.html
