My husband paid a lesser amount for credit card debt that satisfied the original debt owed. should that be reported as income on tax return if he didn't receive a1099c?

Forgiveness of debt is considered taxable income.

It is 1/23/2018 and many companies have not issued all the 1099;s yet.  

I would not file yet, as a 1099C may still be coming.

Please see below for how to report, but wait for the 1099C to come as credit card companies usually do issue them.  

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3302470

What if I never received a 1099C, should I still report it as income?

Yes, as it is still considered taxable with or without the 1099C.  If you don't report and then later it comes or IRS looks into there will be the additional tax, plus interest, and possibly penalties.