Rep. Sharon Chung Erases Medical Debt Burdens onWorking Class Illinoisans

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Tens of thousands of working-class Illinoisans will receive tens of millions of dollars in medical debt relief as a result of a measure passed by state Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington.

“Working-class people who experience medical emergencies are too often forced to deal with enormous financial burdens as a result. I won’t stand by and let that continue to happen,” Chung said. “Relieving tens of millions of dollars in medical debt is a good step, and there is a lot more vital relief coming. We’re putting an end to healthcare poverty in Illinois.”

Chung helped pass the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program that will ultimately pay down a billion dollars of long term medical debt for working-class Illinoisans. This first payment will eliminate $72 million for 52,745 Illinois residents throughout the state. Illinois is one of the first states in the country to take such a substantial step regarding the elimination of medical debt.

Residents do not need to apply for assistance; impacted households receive notification letters after their debts have been lifted. More relief is on the way soon.

“The combination of a punishing medical problem and significant financial strain can deal a crushing long-term blow to working families,” Chung said. “While this good work is a step in the right direction, there is more progress to make and I’m not nearly done fighting.”