SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to steadfast advocacy from State Senator Mike Simmons to ease financial strain and promote economic stability, more than 500,000 residents across the state have had their medical debt erased. 

“Far too many people — particularly those living on fixed or limited incomes — put their health on the back burner because of costs,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “We have a responsibility to protect those people and ensure financial burden never stands between someone and the care they need.”

The news comes two years after Simmons passed House Bill 5290 – the Medical Debt Relief Program. To qualify for the program, individuals must have a household income below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level or possess medical debt amounting to 5% or more of their household income, ensuring those facing significant financial hardship from medical expenses receive relief.

As of this week, over $1.1 billion of medical debt has been erased for more than 500,000 people across the state. Simmons was encouraged that Governor JB Pritzker called for sending $15 million more to the program – which would relieve thousands more from medical debt.

“When people are weighed down by medical debt, they tend to avoid doctor visits and skip follow-up care — and their health suffers as a result. People in our communities should feel free to seek medical attention whenever they need it,” said Simmons. “No one should ever have to choose between groceries and a hospital bill because of an unexpected accident or diagnosis. Illinois is taking proactive steps to ensure that’s not the case for our residents.”

Simmons will fight diligently for continued funding to the medical debt relief program throughout the Fiscal Year 2027 budget process.