Orange County has approved a Medical Debt Relief Program designed to alleviate the financial burden on residents struggling with unpaid medical bills. The initiative, funded with $4.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, will target medical debts dating back up to seven years, particularly for those owing money to AdventHealth or Orlando Health.

Impact Of The Medical Debt Relief Program

This Medical Debt Relief Program is a crucial lifeline for many individuals and families overwhelmed by the weight of medical expenses. At a recent board meeting, Tara Felton shared her personal experience to highlight the significance of this program. Her father’s battle with cancer left her mother with substantial medical debt. “Cancer is an expensive illness,” Felton said, hoping to convey the urgent need for this financial relief.

How The Medical Debt Relief Program Works

The Orange County Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 to allocate $4.5 million specifically for this Medical Debt Relief Program. These funds, drawn from the American Rescue Plan Act, are part of broader COVID-19 relief efforts. What makes this program unique is that residents do not need to apply. The nonprofit organization Undo Medical Debt will work directly with hospitals to identify eligible individuals. The criteria include those with incomes at or below 400% of the poverty level or those with medical debt exceeding 5% of their income. According to Undo Medical Debt CEO Allison Sesso, the program could impact up to 150,000 people. “For a family of three, the income threshold is around $101,000,” Sesso noted, emphasizing the focus on low-to-middle-income families.

The Medical Debt Relief Program is set to provide much-needed support to residents burdened by medical debt, offering financial relief and a fresh start for thousands in Orange County.

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