Morris-Backed Medical Debt Relief Program Clears $72 Billion in Old Bills for Families

CHICAGO – More than 52,000 Illinoisans have had medical debt paid under a law backed by state Rep. Yolonda Morris, D-Chicago, clearing a backlog of $72 million facing working families and seniors.

“No one should have their financial and personal dreams crushed because they are unable to prosper under the heavy burden that is medical debt in the United States,” said Morris. “Medical debt is not only harmful to the debtors, but to the countless more people who neglect seeking medical attention out of fear of the costs and falling into insurmountable debt.”

Morris voted for House Bill 5290, which established Illinois Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program. According to recent data, Americans hold over $220 billion in outstanding medical debt. The Medical Debt Relief Program will eliminate up to $1 billion in medical debt by purchasing old bills from debt collectors and hospitals for just pennies on the dollar. The department recently announced relief for 52,745 residents, totaling $72 billion in savings for families, with more relief forthcoming.

Morris also supported Senate Bill 2933, which ensures medical debt cannot be used to hurt families’ credit rating, protecting their access to affordable mortgages, car loans and other common forms of consumer credit.

“While our right to healthcare is attacked by out-of-touch billionaires and extremists, in Illinois we will never stop fighting to make sure that it remains affordable and effective here in our state,” said Morris. “No one should have to sell their homes or empty their accounts to pay for treatments, but this reality has become too common in our country. I want to thank Gov. Pritzker for his leadership on this matter, and I look forward to continuing to fight for the hardworking men and women in our communities throughout our state.”