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CHICAGO — In a significant move to alleviate financial burdens, Cook County has committed to extending its medical debt forgiveness initiative into the next year. This decision, revealed by Board of Commissioners President Tony Preckwinkle on Tuesday, ensures continued support even as current funds are projected to be depleted.
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This announcement follows the remarkable success of the program, which has already erased an astounding $1.5 billion in medical debt for Cook County residents. This achievement stands as the most substantial relief effort by any county nationwide, according to officials.
To bring this initiative to fruition, Cook County collaborated with Undue Medical Debt, a prominent national nonprofit organization. Together, they have strategically identified resources to sustain the program, underscoring the county’s commitment to easing the financial strain faced by its residents.
Highlighting the program’s simplicity and accessibility, Preckwinkle stated, “There’s no application, no paperwork, and no tax consequences.” Residents will receive a straightforward letter in the mail, notifying them that their medical debts have been canceled, a relief that arrives without the hassle of additional bureaucratic hurdles.
“There’s no application, no paperwork and no tax consequences,” Preckwinkle said. “Residents simply receive a letter in the mail informing them that their debt has been canceled.”
Health officials say they’ve seen what this relief means for families and the quiet crisis sweeping across the state and nation.
SEE ALSO | Gov. Pritzker announces medical debt relief for 170,000 more Illinoisans under state program
“The average amount for given per resident is $1,300 for families living paycheck to paycheck, that relief can mean the difference between stability and crisis,” Preckwinkle said.
Inspired by Cook County, Governor JB Pritzker says two years ago, the state launched its own debt relief program.
Saying no one should fall into financial ruin, simply because they got sick or injured.
“I’m proud to say that as of this month, the state of Illinois has eliminated over $1.1 billion in medical debt, and of course, combined with our partners here in Cook County, who have erased $1.5 billion, we have delivered more than $2 billion in relief to over a million Illinoisans in all 102 counties of our state,” Pritzker said.
The governor said he plans to continue building on this program in the coming years.
Both the governor and Cook County president, are up for reelection.
SEE ALSO | Cook County weighs limitations of its medical debt relief initiative
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