Charity Care on the Rise

Cook County, Illinois is predicting the highest level in free or discounted care in over a decade for 2027. The county expects to provide about $485 million in charity care in 2026, which is about $100 million more than it expects to spend this year. As low income people lose access to Medicaid and Medicare, they become more reliant on charity care. Public health systems are required to provide charity care to people who need it, but often they favor the bottom line over providing these essential services. Cook County is working to make this increased charity care spending fit into the county’s healthcare budget. Our Health Equity advocates for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Americans. Read more here.