Mayor Adams Cancels $135 Million in Medical Debt for New Yorkers
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the cancellation of nearly $135 million in medical debt for working-class New Yorkers, a move hailed as the largest municipal medical debt relief program in the nation. The debt relief will be administered by the non-profit organization Undue Medical Debt, which will directly notify affected residents – no application process is required. This is a one-time program slated too run for three years.
The declaration coincided with the opening of eight new NYC Financial Empowerment Centers, operated by the New york City Department of Consumer and Worker protection (DCWP), at various NYC Health + Hospitals locations throughout the city. These centers aim to provide residents with financial planning resources to help prevent future medical debt.
NYC Health + Hospitals Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer Dr. Nichola Davis emphasized the link between financial stability and health, stating, “Financial stressors are one of the most common non-medical needs identified by NYC Health + Hospitals patients and there is a close connection between wealth and health.” She added that bringing Financial Empowerment Center services to the health system will equip patients with tools to improve both their financial and physical well-being.
Mayor Adams expressed his commitment to expanding this initiative, stating his governance will continue working towards a goal of $2 billion in medical debt relief for new Yorkers. “Through the largest municipal medical debt relief program in the nation and providing greater access to financial resources, we are delivering debt relief and peace of mind to New Yorkers across the five boroughs, as we put money back in their pockets and make our city more affordable every day,” Adams said.
Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Suzanne Miles-Gustave anticipates further debt relief in the coming months and years for hundreds of thousands of additional families. Acting Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Dr. Michelle Morse, underscored the importance of the program, stating that erasing medical debt is “a necessity to create a more equitable and affordable system so that New yorkers do not fear financial ruin after seeking necessary medical care.”
Newsweek reached out to the mayor’s office and Undue Medical Debt for comment. Individuals with announcements or news for the Newsweek Health care team can contact them at health.care@newsweek.com.
