Scherer-Backed Laws Provide Families with Relief from Medical Debt

DECATUR, Ill. – New laws passed by state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, will eliminate up to $1 billion in families’ unpaid medical bills, and prevent past medical debt from hurting individuals’ credit scores.

“Necessary medical care shouldn’t come with a crippling amount of debt, and no one should be denied housing, a job opportunity, or the chance for a better life because of past medical debt,” said Scherer. “Fundamentally, these laws are about ensuring everyone in our state has access to healthcare without breaking the bank.”

Scherer voted for House Bill 5290, which gives families struggling with medical debt a second chance by paying off $1 billion in old healthcare bills for just a fraction of the cost. Additionally, Scherer passed Senate Bill 2933, which prevents outstanding medical debt from being used in credit reporting. Both bills received bipartisan support, and were recently signed into law.

“We all recognize the crisis of healthcare affordability, so big banks and credit rating agencies have no business penalizing hardworking families,” said Scherer. “This commonsense reform delivers real relief to the thousands of Illinoisans who are suffocating from medical debt. I am proud of our work, and I look forward to continuing to work to make our healthcare system more affordable and accessible.”