$642 million in medical debt erased for nearly half-a-million Arizona residents

PHOENIX (KYMA) - Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) says her administration, in collaboration with Undue Medical Debt, has eliminated $642 million in medical debt for more than 485,000 Arizonans.

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, this is part of Gov. Hobbs' initiative to improve economic stability and health outcomes for working class Arizona residents.

Morgan Martin, a Yuma local, is happy to see what the governor is doing.

“This is the perfect timing cause it’s the holidays, people are worried about money and stuff, I think it’s great, I think it’s awesome, it’s really just something the people shouldn’t have to worry about, you know,” Martin says.

"I am committed to helping Arizonans achieve economic stability and prosperity. Too many Arizonans have fallen into medical debt through no fault of their own. It forces them to make an impossible decision between paying off their debt or putting gas in their car, food on their table and air conditioning in their home during hot summer months. Our working families shouldn't suffer from a broken system that forces them to pay ever increasing amounts of money to access life-saving care. I'm glad to deliver this lifeline to Arizonans who are struggling to get by. I encourage Arizonans who receive a letter to open it—relief is inside!"

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.)

The press release says more than 141,000 Arizona residents will receive debt relief letters, and program beneficiaries will receive a branded letter from Undue Medical Debt, notifying them that some or all of their debt has been erased.

"I'm thrilled to announce over $200 million in additional medical debt relief for Arizona residents in time for the holidays. Governor Katie Hobbs and her team have been staunch advocates of medical debt relief and it's heartening to know that over half a billion dollars of unpayable debt has been erased for burdened families to date. I'm hopeful they will feel empowered to re-engage with the healthcare system and we look forward to more relief in the future."

Allison Sesso, President and CEO, Undue Medical Debt

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