Tackling a Financial Burden
New York City takes a bold step to alleviate the burden of medical debt for its residents, aiming to wipe out over $2 billion owed by up to 500,000 individuals. Mayor Eric Adams and Dr. Ashwin Vasan, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), unveiled this groundbreaking initiative, emphasizing their commitment to easing the financial strain on working-class New Yorkers.
This pioneering initiative, supported by an $18 million investment over three years, targets the prevalent issue of medical debt, a leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States. By partnering with RIP Medical Debt, a national nonprofit, the city plans to acquire and eliminate medical debt accumulated by residents across the five boroughs. The program aims to provide relief to half a million New Yorkers, offering a significant one-time debt forgiveness opportunity.
Streamlined Relief Process
In a move to streamline assistance, affected individuals will receive debt relief notifications without the need for a cumbersome application process. This approach ensures that eligible residents can swiftly benefit from the program's support, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.
Largest Municipal Initiative
Marked as the largest municipal initiative of its kind in the nation, the program signals New York City's unwavering commitment to addressing healthcare affordability challenges. With a focus on middle- and working-class families, Mayor Adams highlights the dire choices individuals often face between paying medical bills and meeting basic life necessities.
The Initiative Is Underway
Scheduled to commence in early 2024 and spanning three years, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope for New Yorkers grappling with medical debt. By providing substantial relief and eliminating financial barriers to healthcare access, the city sets a precedent for compassionate and inclusive policy-making, inspiring other municipalities to prioritize the well-being of their residents.
https://www.nyc.gov/
