INDIANAPOLIS — A recent joint investment is going to help eliminate more than $239.6 million in medical debt for Hoosiers.
Over 112,000 people in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties will have their debt erased thanks to the venture by the United Neighborhood Centers of Indianapolis, United Way of Central Indiana and an anonymous donor. Those receiving relief should have received a letter in the mail this month from Undue Medical Debt sharing that some or all of their medical debt was erased.There is no application, and debt relief is provided as a gift, which means people are exempt from paying income tax on the abolished debt.
“Today’s announcement is not just about a crisis intervention. At United Way, we’re fighting for the long-term health and economic well-being of every person in our community,” Fred Payne, president and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana, said at Monday’s press conference at Edna Martin Christian Center at 37 Place.In Marion County, one in five people have medical debt in collections, and Indiana ranks 11th highest in the U.S.