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North Carolina Cancels Medical Debt for 2.5 Million Residents

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

North Carolina has erased medical debt for 2.5 million residents after all 99 hospitals stopped collecting debts dating back to 2014.
Patients who qualify for financial assistance will automatically receive discounts without needing to apply.
Kody Kinsley, former health secretary, supports this initiative, and experts warn that without federal regulations disparities in assistance will persist.

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Story summary

North Carolina has erased medical debt for 2.5 million residents after all 99 hospitals stopped collecting debts dating back to 2014.
Patients who qualify for financial assistance will automatically receive discounts without needing to apply.
Kody Kinsley, former health secretary, supports this initiative, and experts warn that without federal regulations disparities in assistance will persist.