Connecticut Makes History by Clearing Medical Debt for Residents: $1 Billion in Unpaid Bills to Be Pardoned
Connecticut’s Democratic governor, Ned Lamont, has unveiled an ambitious plan to eliminate medical debt for state residents, totaling a staggering $1 billion.
Although he has not disclosed the funding mechanism, Lamont shared his vision on Good Morning America, detailing a partnership with a nonprofit organization that purchases medical debt at a discounted rate, effectively erasing it.
The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 250,000 residents and will receive support from a $6.5 million fund allocated by the American Rescue Plan Act, which aims to alleviate medical debt.
Lamont emphasized the humane approach, stating, “This is not something they did because they were spending too much money; this is something because they got hit with a medical emergency. They should not have to suffer twice, first with the illness, then with the debt.”
Governor Lamont emphasized the importance of enabling people to build wealth and sees debt elimination as a catalyst for financial empowerment.
Eligibility criteria include residents with a household income up to 400 percent of the federal poverty line, equivalent to $124,800 annually for a family of four, or those with debts constituting 5 percent of their annual income.
With the initial $6.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, an estimated 250,000 residents are poised to have their debts automatically cleared.
Notably, households will not need to apply, as the contracted agency will collaborate with state agencies to streamline the debt elimination process.
Connecticut acknowledges that 1 in 10 residents currently grapples with medical debt, a pervasive issue across the nation.
Medical debt remains a leading source of financial burden for Americans, with 10.8 percent facing challenges in paying medical bills in 2021.
Government data from 2022 estimated that 9 percent of adults, approximately 23 million people, owed more than $250 in health costs.
A Kaiser Health News poll conducted in the same year highlighted the profound impact of healthcare costs on Americans.
Findings revealed that a quarter of respondents were contending with debts exceeding $5,000 from medical or dental bills, while one in five expressed doubts about ever being able to cover the expenses of necessary care.
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