All Week Long
Originally published on westcooknews.com 07/01/2024
Loyola Medicine, Undue Medical Debt, a national non-profit organization, and Cook County’s Medical Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI), have entered into an agreement to eliminate $112.12 million worth of non-Medicare/Medicaid medical debt for Loyola's patients in 2024.
In alignment with its Catholic Jesuit tradition, Loyola is dedicated to providing healthcare services to all patients. With a commitment to patients and communities, Loyola has partnered with Undue Medical Debt to review and acquire accounts for erasure that are over two years old. Eligible individuals include those making at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or whose medical debt exceeds five percent of their annual household income. More than 60,000 Loyola patients qualified for this relief. Envelopes branded by Undue Medical Debt will be sent to those benefiting from this initiative.
Cook County's MDRI played a significant role in this partnership, with over 44,000 beneficiaries receiving nearly $80.5 million in medical debt relief through the collaboration with Loyola. Since its inception in 2022, Cook County's MDRI has abolished over $382 million in medical debt for more than 213,000 residents.
“Cook County is committed to alleviating the burden of medical debt on our residents,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Through the Medical Debt Relief Initiative, we have been able to provide substantial financial relief to over 213,000 individuals, including more than 44,000 through our partnership with Loyola Medicine. Today represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to promote economic stability and health equity across Cook County communities.”
Paid for by Preckwinkle for President. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board's official website, http://elections.il.gov/, or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. All contributions are reported to the State Board of Elections. Contributions are not accepted from employees of Cook County. Companies holding contracts with the Cook County are limited to $750.
Political contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes.