R.I. launches program to cancel medical debt
The Boston Globe
October 30, 2024
Following the passage of legislation earlier this year, General Treasurer James A. Diossa's office has announced a partnership with Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that works to abolish medical debt. The program will utilize $1 million appropriated to the program by the state's budget to settle up to $100 million in medical debt for state residents. Rhode Islanders do not need to apply for the program, debts will be canceled automatically once they have been identified, obtained and abolished in accordance with program guidelines.
Why This Matters
Medical debt, which is the main cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States according to the Economic Progress Institute, directly impacts an average of 5.2% of Rhode Island addults in any given year. Those most frequently impacted are often the most needy including the ederly, and working class families.
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