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Illinois Erases $1.1 Billion in Medical Debt for Residents

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Illinois has erased over $1.1 billion in medical debt for more than 500,000 residents through its Medical Debt Relief Program, launched 15 months ago.
The program requires no application and forgives debt automatically for those at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, or whose debt exceeds 5% of annual income.
Average debt relief is about $1,200.
Some individuals have received over $300,000 in debt relief.

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Story summary

Illinois has erased over $1.1 billion in medical debt for more than 500,000 residents through its Medical Debt Relief Program, launched 15 months ago.
The program requires no application and forgives debt automatically for those at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, or whose debt exceeds 5% of annual income.
Average debt relief is about $1,200.
Some individuals have received over $300,000 in debt relief.