Avelar-Backed Medical Debt Package Delivers Relief for 52,000 Illinoisans

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - More than 52,000 Illinoisans have had medical debt paid under a law backed by state Rep. Dagmara Avelar, D-Romeoville, clearing a backlog of $72 million facing working families and seniors. 

“A great inequality that many face is medical debt as many big medical companies try to take advantage of working-class citizens with huge expenses,” said Avelar. “That is why I’m proud to support this debt relief program that will remove that burden for many people and families and allow them to put that money elsewhere.” 

Avelar sponsored House Bill 5290 this spring, creating the Medical Debt Relief Program which will eliminate up to $1 billion in medical debt by purchasing old bills from debt collectors and hospitals for just pennies on the dollar. The state recently announced relief for 52,745 residents, totaling $72 billion in savings for families, with more relief forthcoming. 

The largest debt that will be relieved are located in Will County where 20,832 individuals will receive debt relief. 

“This initiative is a step closer to bringing healthcare equity in our communities that are disproportionately impacted. While this is a step in the right direction to reducing financial strain for Illinoisans, there is still so much work to be done and I’m not done fighting for us all” Avelar said. 

Eligible residents do not need to apply, a letter will be sent to those who will be relieved stating that their debt has been eliminated.