The creation of the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program Fund in Illinois has the potential to alleviate the financial burden for over 300,000 residents with outstanding medical debt. State Sen. Mike Simmons sponsored House Bill 5290 with the aim of providing relief to families in the state who fall below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level or have medical debt amounting to 5% or more of their household income.
Sen. Simmons believes that this legislation is long overdue, but some GOP lawmakers, including state Rep. Chris Miller, express regret and concern about the necessity of such a program.
Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced that the program will collaborate with a nonprofit organization to utilize $10 million to eliminate up to $1 billion in medical debt for eligible individuals in Illinois.