Yang Rohr Erases Over $72 Million in Medical Debt for Illinois under New Program

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, led the charge on a new statewide program to eliminate $72 million in crushing medical debt affecting more than 52,000 Illinoisans.

“Census data shows that young families are disproportionately affected by high medical debt, with pregnancy-related care, doctors visits for young children, and emergency visits totaling thousands of dollars per family. This is hard-earned money parents cannot dedicate to their monthly bills, their child’s education or future. Insurmountable medical debt is a real, but solvable, threat to families’ futures.”

Yang Rohr championed House Bill 5290, creating the pilot program which has already forgiven $72 million in medical debt statewide. The program targets low-income families with incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty line ($124,000 for a family of 4) or whose medical debt exceeds 5% of their household income. Illinois residents need not apply for the relief, as the state has contracted with a national nonprofit that works with local hospitals to identify and provide immediate relief to qualifying accounts.

“The Illinois Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program is part of our broader efforts to not only ease the financial burden too many families face but also work smarter to address longstanding inequities in our health system,” Yang Rohr said. “This program will continue to aid the dire financial challenges that too many working and low-income families face. I’m committed to smart solutions to rising costs, and I’m proud to have supported this landmark legislation.”