North Carolina’s new program will forgive up to $4 billion in medical debt for 2 million people, with all 99 eligible hospitals participating, starting October 1, 2024, and will be supported by increased federal funding and Medicaid expansion.
North Carolina‘s $4 Billion Medical Debt Relief Program Starts October 1, 2024
According to the Washington Examiner, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has announced that all 99 eligible hospitals in the state will join a new program to help with medical debt. Starting on October 1, 2024, the program will forgive up to $4 billion in medical debt for about 2 million people in North Carolina. Cooper said this program is important because medical debt is often unavoidable and will provide much-needed relief for families with low or moderate incomes.
Hospitals joining the program will get extra Medicaid payments and work with groups like Undue Medical Debt to manage debt relief. The program is expected to bring over $8 billion in federal funding each year, alongside an expansion of Medicaid that was also approved. The debt relief will be applied over the next two years.
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$4 Billion in Medical Debt Forgiveness: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s Groundbreaking Initiative (PHOTO: WCTI)
New Medical Debt Relief Program Faces Criticism Over North Carolina Hospital Costs
Even with the new program, there are concerns about hospital costs in North Carolina. A recent report showed big problems with high prices and lack of transparency at hospitals. Despite these issues, the new program will help pay off medical debts for those with lower incomes and significant debt, starting this October.
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