(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker met with Cook County health officials Tuesday to announce a combined $2.6 billion in erased medical debt.
The legislation that created the Medical Debt Relief Program for the state – based on the Cook County program – was signed into law in July 2024.
The state partnered with nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, formerly known as RIP Medical Debt, committing to provide $10 million in grants to pay off debts.
Allison Sesso, CEO of Undue Medical Debt, described the act of erasing debt as taking advantage of the market system.
Erik Mikaitis, CEO of Cook County Health, noted the debt relief may help to strengthen the financial footing for Illinois families.
Separately, the study suggested that such relief negatively affects the repayment of other medical bills.
Cook County officials also announced they plan to continue the program, despite no longer getting federal stimulus funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan. »