Gov. Pritzker Announces $1.4 Billion in Medical Debt Erased for Nearly 700,000 Illinoisans

CHICAGO – Two years after the launch of the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program, Governor JB Pritzker today announced that more than $1.4 billion in total medical debt has been eliminated for nearly 700,000 Illinoisans across all 102 counties. Illinois has surpassed its original goal of erasing $1 billion in medical debt by more than $400 million – all while spending less than $10 million in state dollars to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans. ​ The Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program’s two-year milestone represents significant relief for Illinoisans and reaffirms Governor Pritzker’s focus on affordability as the federal government continues to cut healthcare and other critical services that Illinoisans rely on. ​

“In a healthy, functioning society, no one should fall into financial ruin simply because they get sick – yet far too many Illinoisans are saddled with the financial burden of an unexpected illness or injury,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Now, thanks to our relief program, nearly 700,000 Illinoisans across all 102 counties are breathing a sigh of relief and moving forward with their lives without this burden hanging over them.” ​

"No one should have to make a choice between getting the care they need and making sure their other bills get paid," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "In Illinois, we believe healthcare should be accessible and affordable for all. The Medical Debt Relief program is making that a reality while giving a helping hand to those already carrying the burden of exorbitant medical costs."

When combined with Cook County’s medical debt relief efforts, nearly 1.5 million Illinoisans have had over $2.4 billion in medical debt eliminated. ​

“Four years ago, Cook County became the first local government in the nation to use federal relief dollars to erase medical debt, because no one should be punished for getting sick,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Since then, our program has abolished more than $1 billion in medical debt for nearly 790,000 Cook County residents. I’m grateful that Governor Pritzker has taken that model statewide and made Illinois a national example. As federal cuts put healthcare further out of reach for working families, Cook County will continue this commitment and our partnership with the State because relieving medical debt is one of the most effective investments government can make.”

Every state dollar invested in the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program erases over $100 in medical debt. Illinois has expended approximately $10 million to eliminate over $1.4 billion in debt in just two years, and over $300 million of medical debt since February alone – a tremendous return on investment. On average, Illinoisans who have received relief saw over $1,200 in debt eliminated, with some individual patients benefitting from tens or hundreds of thousands in relief, including one individual receiving over $900,000 in debt relief. ​

In 40 counties, more than 5% of residents have received relief. Eleven counties with populations over 100,000 exceeded that threshold: ​ ​ ​

In Massac County, nearly 24% of the population has benefitted from the initiative. Other, less populous downstate counties where significant portions of all residents have had debts erased include Bond (13%), Randolph (12.9%), Clark (12.3%), and Saline (11.2%).

As the Trump Administration strips people of Medicaid coverage and the cost of living continues to skyrocket, it has never been more critical for the State of Illinois to help ease financial burdens and support families through medical debt relief. Medical debt continues to be a crippling issue and a major contributor to bankruptcy nationwide, forcing people into debt through no fault of their own. Even families covered by insurance can face overwhelming bills from unexpected medical emergencies, lapses in coverage or rising deductibles. No one should have to choose between lifesaving medical care and meeting basic needs, which is why Illinois continues to take tangible action for working families who are managing these burdens. Administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), the program exemplifies the State of Illinois’ dedication to protecting residents’ health and addressing the elimination of medical debt as both a healthcare and financial protection priority.

“This program continues to have real and lasting positive impacts on families across Illinois,” said HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn. “We know that medical debt is a major financial burden for families, and that having that debt eliminated can be life changing. HFS is proud to administer this important program and will continue working to extend that relief to even more Illinoisans.”

“Medical debt is a public health challenge, preventing access to timely medical care for many Illinois residents,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “When families are burdened by unpaid medical bills, they often delay or avoid essential care. This program helps relieve that burden and gives more residents the opportunity to receive preventive services, manage chronic conditions, and seek treatment without fear of financial consequences.” ​ ​

The Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program is operated in partnership with Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit organization that purchases bundled medical debts—often for pennies on the dollar—from health systems and other providers as well as debt collectors and eliminates them for residents with documented financial need. ​

"I'm grateful to Governor Pritzker and the state of Illinois for their partnership in reaching this remarkable milestone of more than $1.4 billion in medical debt erased for over 694,000 residents," said Undue Medical Debt CEO and President Allison Sesso. "No one chooses to get sick, injured or have a chronic condition, and nobody should have to choose between their health and paying their bills. As families across the country face new threats to healthcare access because of federal Medicaid cuts, this continued investment from the State of Illinois shows what's possible when leaders prioritize removing the burden of medical debt from those least able to pay." ​

To be eligible for relief, individuals must be Illinois residents with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (just over $100,000 a year for a family of three), or their medical debt must equal 5% or more of their annual household income. The program does not accept applications, and eligible Illinois residents do not need to apply for assistance; impacted households receive notification letters after their debts have been eliminated. ​ ​ ​

“Families should never have to live in fear over mounting medical bills while they are trying to heal. No one should have to choose between their health and putting food on the table, paying rent, or caring for their children,” said State Representative Yolonda Morris. “Relieving $1.4 billion in medical debt for nearly 700,000 Illinois residents is a significant step toward giving families room to breathe and an opportunity to rebuild. But our work is not done. Health care is a necessity, not a luxury, and I will continue fighting for policies that put people first and protect families from financial hardship when they seek the care they need.”

“Behind every one of those 700,000 people is a family that can finally breathe again. Medical debt shouldn’t decide whether someone can afford rent, groceries or their next doctor’s visit,” said Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “This program has made a real difference in communities across Illinois, and I look forward to building on that progress.”

“When we first set out to tackle medical debt in Illinois, the goal was simple: no one should lose their financial footing because they got sick,” said Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). “Two years later, $1.4 billion in debt has been erased for nearly 700,000 residents. That is proof that when we act boldly, we can change people’s lives.”

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