CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons joined Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to celebrate Illinois’ continued progress in eliminating medical debt through a program he helped establish. The state’s Medical Debt Relief Program has eliminated $1.4 billion in outstanding medical bills for nearly 700,000 residents since its establishment in 2024.
“An unexpected illness or medical emergency should not create years of financial hardship for Illinois families,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “When I carried legislation to establish this program, I wanted to make sure Illinois had a meaningful way to help residents overcome medical debt and regain control of their finances. Seeing this relief reach hundreds of thousands of people shows the impact this law is having in communities across our state.”
Simmons’ House Bill 5290 established Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Program in 2024 to provide financial assistance to eligible residents by purchasing and eliminating qualifying medical debt through a partnership with a nonprofit organization.
Residents who qualify for relief do not need to submit an application, allowing the program to reach individuals and families who may otherwise be unaware that assistance is available.
“By helping families move past the burden of medical bills, this program is strengthening financial stability in communities across Illinois,” said Simmons. “We must continue building on the progress we’ve made through this program and ensure financial hardship never prevents residents from receiving necessary care.”
Simmons will advocate for continued investment in the program to expand its reach and provide relief to additional Illinois residents. Read more on Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Program here.
###
