It’s known as uncompensated care – the amount of medical care Cook County Health provides without getting paid for it – and it’s set to hit nearly $600 million next year.

“The principle challenge that we face is around uncompensated care,” Preckwinkle said. “Believe me. That’s something that I’ve talked to our health care managers about and intend to talk to the board about. What is their strategy for addressing this significant challenge?”

As for solutions? To be determined, she said.