KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Thousands of low or no income Kalamazoo County residents could see their medical debts wiped out this coming year, thanks to a national nonprofit.
Kalamazoo County has already put the money in their budget, and the city of Kalamazoo is about to approve their share, to unlock participation by RIP Medical Debt. They negotiate with local hospitals to wipe out those debts, using COVID-19 funding.
According to County Chair John Taylor,
City Manager Jim Ritsema says they are joining the effort, budgeting $330,000 to make city residents eligible.
City Commissioner Don Cooney says nagging medical debt can keep people from getting medical care, from building equity and advancing their lives.
Residents can’t apply for it. Its all tracked down from the other end, and recipients will be notified by letter when their debt is eliminated.
