The state is partnering with Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit organization that buys debt in bulk from medical providers, to relieve medical debt in counties across Michigan. Kalamazoo was one of the first counties to partner directly with Undue, and officials say $2.48 million of medical debt was forgiven for Kalamazoo county residents in the first quarter.
Individuals can’t request to have their debts forgiven. Instead, Undue buys debt directly from medical providers, like hospitals, which then erases the debt permanently for any eligible individuals included in the debt portfolio.
Those who have had their debts forgiven receive a letter in the mail notifying them. Jen Strebs, Chair of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, says residents who have had their debts forgiven don’t need to take any action…