Illinois Clears More Than 1.1 Billion Dollars In Medical Debt

CHICAGO — Illinois officials say a state medical debt relief program has cleared more than 1.1 billion dollars in medical debt for residents across all 102 counties. The state used public funds to buy past due accounts from health care providers at a reduced cost and eliminate the balances for qualifying low and middle income households without an application. Officials say the debt removal improves credit and reduces financial stress tied to health care costs and the program is expected to continue expanding.