Chicago Medical Debt Help 2026–27: Illinois Debt Relief, Cook County CareLink and Your Billing Rights
Medical debt in Chicago often starts with one emergency room visit or hospital stay. Then the bills, collection letters and calls pile up. Illinois has several tools that can help: a state program that cancels medical debt with no application, a Cook County program that discounts care up to 100%, and state billing laws that the Attorney General enforces.
This guide explains each one and how to use them together.
Last checked October 2026. Income limits and program details change, so confirm with each office.
1. The Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program (No Application Needed)
Illinois funds a Medical Debt Relief Program, run by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). The state contracts with Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit, which buys medical debt from hospitals and other providers and cancels it at no cost to patients.
Who's eligible
According to HFS, you're eligible if you're an Illinois resident and either:
Your household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, or
Your medical debt equals 5% or more of your household income
HFS gave these 2025 figures as an example: up to $62,600 a year for one person and up to $128,600 for a family of four.
How it works
There's no application. Undue Medical Debt reviews debt portfolios from participating hospitals and providers and identifies accounts that qualify.
You'll get a letter. If your debt is canceled, you'll be notified by mail. You don't need to do anything.
It only works with participating providers. The program can cancel debt only when Illinois hospitals and health systems sell or donate their debt portfolios to Undue Medical Debt.
How to tell the letter is real
HFS says official letters come from Undue Medical Debt, P.O. Box 19085, Long Island City, NY 11101-9085. The FAQ explains that the debt listed "is no longer owed" and you don't have to take any action. If you're unsure, contact the provider or Undue Medical Debt directly using contact information you find yourself, not numbers from an unexpected call.
HFS also notes that Undue runs a "soft inquiry" on credit history to determine eligibility. Soft inquiries are visible only to you and don't affect your credit score.
What this means for you: You can't apply, but you also shouldn't count on it. Keep using the other options below.
2. Cook County Health CareLink (Up to 100% Off)
If your care is at a Cook County Health facility, such as Stroger Hospital, Provident Hospital or a county health center, CareLink can discount the cost.
What CareLink covers
CareLink discounts primary care, specialty visits, clinic visits, lab tests, hospital stays and emergency services at Cook County Health facilities. It also covers limited dental and vision (not glasses). Prescriptions aren't covered, but the CCH pharmacy fills CCH prescriptions for $4 each, up to $20. CareLink is only accepted at Cook County Health facilities.
Who qualifies
Cook County residents ages 19 to 64 (exceptions may apply case by case)
Uninsured, or underinsured in certain situations
Lived in Cook County for at least 30 days
Meet the income limits
Immigration status won't stop you from qualifying. You don't have to be a U.S. citizen.
People who have or qualify for Medicaid, or who have insurance through their own or a spouse's job, generally don't qualify. Children 18 and under should apply for All Kids instead.
Current income limits for a 100% discount (annual)
1 person: $39,900
2 people: $54,100
3 people: $68,300
4 people: $82,500
A 50% discount is available up to $55,860 for one person and $115,500 for a family of four. Approval letters may show a 30%, 50% or 100% discount.
How to apply
You must apply in person with a Financial Counselor at a Cook County Health site. Online applications aren't available. You can apply before or after you've been seen. Bring ID, proof of income and proof of your Cook County address (such as a utility bill, phone bill, bank statement or a letter from a church).
Customer service: 866-223-2817 (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The financial counseling office at Stroger Hospital is at 1969 W. Ogden Ave., Room 1290 (312-864-6000).
CareLink lasts up to 12 months, and you must reapply each year.
3. Your Rights Under Illinois Hospital Billing Laws
Fair Patient Billing Act
The Illinois Attorney General says the Fair Patient Billing Act requires all Illinois hospitals to:
Notify patients that financial assistance is available
Provide detailed billing information
Follow a specific process before sending patients to collections
For insured patients, a hospital can't refer a bill to collections without first offering you the chance to request a reasonable payment plan. A reasonable plan considers your income and assets, the amount owed and any payments you've already made.
Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act
If you're uninsured, the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act requires Illinois hospitals to offer discounts to eligible uninsured residents. Each bill to an uninsured patient must say the discount is available and explain how to apply. Ask the hospital's billing office for its uninsured discount application as soon as you get a bill, because the law sets application deadlines and documentation requirements.
4. Get Free Help From the Attorney General
The Attorney General's Health Care Bureau runs a toll-free helpline. You can ask questions, file complaints or ask for help resolving billing disputes with hospitals, providers and insurers. Bureau staff mediate thousands of complaints each year.
Health Care Helpline: 1-877-305-5145 (711 relay for hearing or speech disabilities)
Online: illinoisattorneygeneral.gov, under Consumer Protection, Health Care
A Step-by-Step Plan for Chicago Medical Bills
Ask for an itemized bill and check it for errors or duplicate charges.
Ask every hospital for its financial assistance application. Nonprofit hospitals must have written financial assistance policies.
If you're uninsured, ask specifically about the uninsured patient discount.
If your care was at Cook County Health, apply for CareLink with a Financial Counselor.
Ask for a reasonable payment plan in writing before the bill goes to collections.
Call the AG Health Care Helpline (1-877-305-5145) if a hospital won't cooperate.
Watch your mail for a letter from Undue Medical Debt, and verify it before acting on anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Illinois medical debt relief?
You don't. There's no individual application. Undue Medical Debt identifies qualifying debt from participating providers and mails letters to people whose debt has been canceled.
Is a letter from Undue Medical Debt a scam?
Official letters come from Undue Medical Debt, P.O. Box 19085, Long Island City, NY. HFS publishes a sample of the letter and envelope. The letter doesn't ask you to pay anything.
Can undocumented immigrants get CareLink?
Yes. Cook County Health says immigration status won't stop you from qualifying for CareLink, but you must have lived in Cook County for at least 30 days.
Can an Illinois hospital send me to collections without offering a payment plan?
For insured patients, the Fair Patient Billing Act says a hospital can't refer a bill to collections without first offering the opportunity to request a reasonable payment plan.
Who can help me dispute a medical bill in Illinois?
The Attorney General's Health Care Bureau, at 1-877-305-5145.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.
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