Nonprofits Erase $34 Million in Medical Debt for 21,000 Kansans
Two nonprofit organizations, Undue Medical Debt and Somos Votantes Education Fund, have announced a large-scale initiative to abolish nearly $34 million in medical debt for 21,490 Kansans. This effort targets individuals with medical debts amounting to 5% or more of their annual income, or those earning less than four times the federal poverty level, which is approximately $100,000 for a family of three. Eligible Kansans will receive letters starting the week of October 19, notifying them that their debts have been forgiven without requiring any action on their part. This initiative marks the first time in the partnership's history that statewide medical debt relief has been provided for low-income Kansans. The process involves Undue Medical Debt acquiring medical debts in bulk from providers and collection agencies at a reduced cost, with Somos Votantes Education Fund donating to cover these costs. On average, every dollar donated can erase $100 in medical debt, according to the organizations.
