Story perspectives

North Carolina Erases $6.5 Billion in Medical Debt

10/14/2025

Summary

Story summary

North Carolina's Medical Debt Relief Program has eliminated over $6.5 billion for more than 2.5 million residents since July 2024.
Governor Josh Stein and Health Secretary Dev Sangvai announced the achievement.
The program partners with all 99 acute care hospitals and the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to erase debt and prevent accumulation.
Hospitals must expand charity care and stop reporting medical debt to credit agencies; notices go to eligible residents.

History

Historical Context

The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2014, significantly increased healthcare access, allowing over 20 million previously uninsured Americans to gain coverage. In North Carolina, a recent initiative aims to eliminate $6.5 billion in medical debt for 2.5 million residents, reflecting a broader movement toward recognizing healthcare as a right and potentially shaping future medical debt policies nationwide.

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Story summary

North Carolina's Medical Debt Relief Program has eliminated over $6.5 billion for more than 2.5 million residents since July 2024.
Governor Josh Stein and Health Secretary Dev Sangvai announced the achievement.
The program partners with all 99 acute care hospitals and the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to erase debt and prevent accumulation.
Hospitals must expand charity care and stop reporting medical debt to credit agencies; notices go to eligible residents.

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