Cook County Medical Debt Relief Initiative Surpasses $1 Billion in Debt Abolished

In partnership with Undue Medical Debt, this milestone represents the most medical debt abolished by a county in the United States

COOK COUNTY, IL—Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and national nonprofit partner Undue Medical Debt announced that Cook County's Medical Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) has surpassed $1 billion in medical debt abolished. Since the program launched in 2022, Cook County has leveraged $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to abolish $1,048,722,692.86 for over 791,000 residents, roughly 22% of eligible adults living in Cook County.

With the program in its last round of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this milestone also represents the most medical debt abolished by a county in the United States.

“Medical debt should never stand between someone and their future. For too many families, it has forced impossible choices, created lasting financial hardship and added unnecessary stress during life’s most difficult moments,” said President Preckwinkle. “Today’s milestone reflects our commitment to residents who can now move forward without the burden of medical debt weighing them down. This achievement demonstrates what is possible when we put equity at the center of our work and when government invests in solutions that improve people’s lives. Together, we are helping families regain financial stability, restore hope and build a healthier future.”

“No one should be saddled with a crushing financial burden simply for seeking the healthcare they need,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Cook County’s cancellation of $1 billion in medical debt is a transformational achievement – giving nearly 800,000 residents the breathing room to focus on their families and their futures. I’m proud that Illinois and Cook County continue to lead the way in making quality and affordable healthcare accessible to all.”

“Reaching $1 billion in medical debt abolished is an extraordinary milestone that reflects Cook County’s bold leadership and unwavering commitment to its residents,” said Undue Medical Debt President and CEO Allison Sesso. “Together, we’re showing Cook County residents that medical debt is the system’s failure, not a personal one. Partnerships like this can restore financial stability, reduce stress and help families move forward with dignity. We’re honored to work alongside Cook County to bring meaningful relief to hundreds of thousands of residents and demonstrate what's possible for communities across the country.”

By initially leveraging $9 million in ARPA funds, Cook County has both reduced financial strain and addressed a critical barrier to health and economic stability. As the first local government to partner with Undue Medical Debt, the County set a national example for how public funds can be effectively used to deliver immediate, meaningful relief. The County continues to encourage hospitals and medical provider groups serving local residents to participate, further expanding the reach of this innovative public health and economic support effort.

As an expression of its ongoing commitment to reduce economic pressures on Cook County residents and families, President Preckwinkle will propose continued funding of the Medical Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) with Cook County funding in the fiscal 2027 budget. This next phase of MDRI will also include an enhanced focus on utilizing the data collected through MDRI to implement policy interventions that address the ongoing drivers of medical debt.

Medical debt is an escalating issue in the United States and Cook County. Nationally, there are more than 100 million adults grappling with medical debt, amounting to an estimated $195 billion. In addition, Black adults are 50% more likely, and Hispanic adults are 35% more likely to carry medical debt compared to white counterparts.

Individuals who qualify for medical debt abolishment through this program must live in Cook County, have incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level (just over $100,000 a year for a family of three) or have medical debt that is 5% or more of their annual income.

Eligible debts are erased automatically without any need for applications or individual action. Recipients will be notified by mail in a branded Cook County Government and Undue Medical Debt envelope informing them that some or all of their debts have been relieved. These letters will begin arriving this week.

To learn more about MDRI, visit arpa.cookcountyil.gov/medical-debt-relief-initiative.