Cook County Medical Debt Relief Initiative Surpasses $664 Million in Debt Abolished
More than half a billion in debt relieved for more than half a million residents in first-of-its-kind, ongoing partnership with Undue Medical Debt
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 successfully abolished $664,744,470.53 in medical debt, benefiting 556,815 Cook County residents since the program launched in 2022.
“Medical debt continues to weigh heavily on too many families. It’s more than just a financial burden. It’s an emotional one that can shake a person’s sense of stability and hope,” said President Preckwinkle. “That’s why I’m proud to share that Cook County’s Medical Debt Relief Initiative has now forgiven over a half billion in medical debt for more than a half a million County residents. As we continue working to provide this relief, more and more families are gaining the financial breathing room they deserve. And we’re not done. We’re committed to easing this burden, helping our communities move forward with dignity and peace of mind.”
By leveraging $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Cook County is both reducing financial strain and addressing 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.
“No one chooses to get sick, have an unexpected accident or be born with a chronic condition — and no one should have their financial stability compromised just because they needed medical care,” shared Undue Medical Debt president and CEO Allison Sesso. "Medical debt affects millions of families regardless of income or background, creating both financial strain and emotional burdens that can prevent people from seeking the care they need. We're very grateful for Cook County’s pioneering partnership in removing these unpayable debts and reaching this momentous milestone – while helping hundreds of thousands of families breathe a little easier."
MDRI’s model represents a strong return on investment. For every dollar invested, approximately $100 of medical debt can be eliminated, maximizing available resources. Undue Medical Debt achieves this by purchasing eligible debt for pennies on the dollar, based on the age and market value of the accounts.
"People should never be hesitant to receive care because of the potential cost of a medical visit," said Dennis Anosike, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Saint Anthony Hospital. "As a safety net hospital dedicated to serving everyone in our community, we're happy to partner with a program like MDRI that provides relief from medical bills and ensures everyone can access the care they need."
Medical debt affects individuals and families across the County due to a range of circumstances, including childbirth, emergency care, diagnostic testing and unexpected medical events. It remains the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States. MDRI provides relief by automatically canceling qualifying debt, reducing financial stress and supporting greater economic stability for residents.
Individuals who qualify for medical debt abolishment through MDRI must live in Cook County, have incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level, or have medical debt that is 5% or more of their annual income. Eligible debts are erased automatically without individual action required. Recipients are notified by mail in a branded Undue Medical Debt envelope informing them that some or all of their debts have been relieved.
Beneficiaries of the program have shared:
“I'm grateful to [Undue] Medical Debt for the generous gift that relieved my hospital debt. The debt is for my son who stopped breathing at 2 months due to RSV and needed emergency intensive care… [M]y son received immediate care at a high cost even with insurance. The absolution of this debt has truly helped my family stress less and preserve our credit. Thank you truly from our family,” - Raife M.
“I have been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses since July 2007, but in 2021 I had a massive heart attack and have been fighting for my life every day. Just last month I spent 11 days in the hospital and came home to find a $219,000 hospital bill waiting for me! I was so depressed... And then I got your letter. It showed me that I am not alone in my fight, that there are people out there willing to help, and America's greatest resource is its citizens. - Cecilia E.
“I would like to personally thank the Undue Medical Debt program and Cook [County] programs for this amazing gift. Being recently retired and on a fixed income, so often I am forced to prioritize what bills are paid. I know that there are other families just like mine who can benefit from a program like this. It is so beneficial and such a great gift to each recipient. Thank you.” - Sabrina F.
The Medical Debt Relief Initiative is one of several initiatives President Preckwinkle has championed to promote economic security in Cook County.
In December 2022, Cook County launched the largest publicly-funded guaranteed income pilot in the country at the time, which offered unconditional cash assistance to low- to moderate-income families for two years. Through the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, 3,250 families received $500 monthly. Most participants reported feeling less stress and greater financial stability. For some, this support led to lasting financial improvements.
More recently, President Preckwinkle and the Cook County Board of Commissioners established the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund—a $15 million program designed to assist homeowners who have experienced significant property tax increases in recent years. Applications for the program are expected to launch in summer 2025.
As inflation and other factors have driven up the cost of housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses like groceries, President Preckwinkle and Cook County Government remain committed to expanding this portfolio of programs and ensuring economic security is within reach for all residents.
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. People of color face disproportionate burdens; nationally, Black adults are 50% more likely, and Hispanic adults are 35 percent more likely to carry medical debt compared to white counterparts.
The following maps, produced by Cook County’s Bureau of Technology GIS team, illustrate the geographic distribution and impact of the Medical Debt Relief Initiative across the County.
Total Value of Debt Abolished by ZIP Code: View map (PDF)
Total Number of Beneficiaries by ZIP Code: View map (PDF)
Average Debt Relief Per Beneficiary by ZIP Code: View map (PDF)
For a resident-facing video featuring President Preckwinkle, click here.
To learn more about MDRI, go to arpa.cookcountyil.gov/medical-debt-relief-initiative.
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About Cook County
Cook County is the second-largest county in the United States, representing 5.2 million residents in Illinois. The President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Cook County and oversees the Offices Under the President (OUP).
About Undue Medical Debt
Undue Medical Debt (formerly RIP Medical Debt) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose purpose is to strengthen communities by erasing financially burdensome medical debt. Founded in 2014 by former debt collection executives, Undue Medical Debt is the leading charitable organization that erases un-payable medical bills.