Hirschauer-Backed Medical Debt Plan Delivers for Over $72 Million in Relief 52,000 Illinoisans

BATAVIA, Ill. – More than 52,000 Illinois families have had old medical bills wiped out under a new debt relief plan backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. 

“Even families that have worked hard and done everything right can face crushing medical debt because of insurance company red tape and gimmicks,” Hirschauer said. “Medical debt is one of the most common causes of bankruptcy, and hits communities of color even harder. I am proud to support this program as it will give back to our communities living in poverty and relieve that financial burden caused by medical bills.” 

Hirschauer passed House Bill 5290 last May, creating the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program, which 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 state recently announced relief for 52,745 residents, totaling $72 billion in savings for families, with more relief forthcoming. 

“The constant cycle of medical bills adds up for those who may not have the luxury of health insurance, but even then, the gimmicks that hospitals, insurance companies, and medical facilities use to debt people needs to be stopped,” Hirschauer said. “That is why this is only one step in a bigger plan to reduce medical debt for families who really need it and allow them to feel relief before the holidays.”