Morgan-Backed Initiative Erases Medical Debt for 52,000 Illinoisans

DEERFIELD, Ill. – A medical debt relief initiative backed by state Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, has eliminated $72 million in old medical bills for more than 52,000 Illinoisans, with more relief on the way.

“Medical debt forces families to delay or forgo care altogether, escalating health problems and driving up long-term healthcare costs,” said Morgan. “Forgiving medical debt not only removes these financial barriers but ensures residents can access the preventative and ongoing medical care they need without fear they won’t be able to afford critical services for their health.”

Morgan was integral to passing House Bill 5290 last spring, implementing the state’s Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program. The program has forgiven over $72 million in debt for more than 52,000 Illinoisans and is part of the state’s ongoing commitment to improving health equity in Illinois.

The program is eligible for low-income residents with a household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or whose medical debt exceeds 5% of their household income, allowing families to prioritize their health without financial burden.

“This is a low-cost, high-impact initiative that allows our families to focus on what’s important— their health. Eliminating medical debt improves outcomes for all residents across the state by freeing up resources and creating healthier communities.”

Eligible Illinois residents need not apply but will receive notification letters after their debt has been eliminated. More information can be found here.