Rip Medical Debt News: Reducing Crushing Health Bills for Millions

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Vector illustration of smartphone with credit card picture and bills inscription placed near debtor document against purple background
Credit: pexels.com, Vector illustration of smartphone with credit card picture and bills inscription placed near debtor document against purple background

Rip Medical Debt is a non-profit organization that has been making headlines for its innovative approach to reducing medical debt. Founded in 2015, the organization has been buying and forgiving medical debt for millions of people across the United States.

Their work has been gaining momentum, with over $1.5 billion in medical debt forgiven since their inception. This staggering number has brought relief to countless individuals and families who were struggling to pay off overwhelming medical bills.

By targeting medical debt collectors and purchasing debt at a fraction of its original value, Rip Medical Debt is able to forgive debts that were previously thought to be unpayable. This approach not only brings immediate relief to those affected but also helps to prevent a cycle of debt that can have long-term consequences for individuals and communities.

What Is Medical Debt?

Medical debt is a significant financial burden that can affect anyone, regardless of their income or social status. It's a debt that people incur when they receive medical treatment, but can't afford to pay for it.

Credit: youtube.com, RIP Medical Debt on NBC New York

RIP Medical Debt seeks to help families and individuals burdened by medical debt by acquiring and abolishing these debts. This brings financial relief to families and reduces related stress.

Medical debt can have serious consequences, including affecting a person's credit score and overall well-being. It can also lead to financial instability and even bankruptcy.

By cancelling medical debts, RIP Medical Debt improves the health of patients, families, and communities. This is because financial stress can have a negative impact on physical and mental health.

Is My Debt Canceled?

If you received a letter from RIP Medical Debt, your debt is really and truly gone. You no longer have any obligation to pay this debt to anyone, at any future time.

RIP can only abolish debts for past-due accounts belonging to providers that are willing to engage with them. This means you can't just request medical debt relief - it's source-based.

If you're wondering whether you qualify for relief, RIP has two main criteria: your individual or family income must not be more than four times the federal poverty level, and/or your medical debt must be five percent or more of your gross annual income.

How It Works

Credit: youtube.com, RIP Medical Debt: Abolishing crippling health care debts

RIP Medical Debt is funded by generous donors who contribute to the organization's mission of erasing medical debt.

These donors enable RIP Medical Debt to work with healthcare systems to evaluate past-due accounts and identify the most burdensome ones for patients.

RIP Medical Debt looks for accounts that meet specific criteria, but the exact criteria are not specified in the article.

Healthcare systems like Trinity Health Of New England reach out to form partnerships with RIP Medical Debt to tackle medical debt together.

Donated funds are used to purchase the identified past-due accounts, effectively erasing the debt and providing relief to patients.

Abolishment Details

Recipients of debt relief will be notified by letter in an envelope from RIP Medical Debt, starting this week. The full roll-out of letters may take a couple of months due to the volume of accounts being processed.

These letters are the only official notice of debt abolishment. Once you receive the letter, there is no further action you need to take.

Credit: youtube.com, CBS New York Features RIP Medical Debt

RIP has previously collaborated with other hospitals and healthcare systems, including Ballad Health, Vituity, Children's Hospital of Alabama, and other healthcare providers.

Here are some key facts about the debt abolishment process:

  • Letters will be sent by RIP Medical Debt, starting this week.
  • The roll-out of letters may take a couple of months.
  • These letters are the only official notice of debt abolishment.
  • No further action is required once you receive the letter.

Remember, if you receive a letter from RIP Medical Debt saying your debt to Trinity Health Of New England has been abolished, then your debt is really and truly gone. You no longer have any obligation to pay this debt to anyone, at any future time.

Reducing Crushing Health Bills

Medical debt can be overwhelming, but there are ways to reduce the financial burden. In 2020, a staggering 43% of Americans reported having medical debt, and the average amount owed was $2,000.

The cost of medical care can be unpredictable, but some medical procedures are more expensive than others. For example, a hospital stay can cost upwards of $10,000, while a routine doctor's visit might cost only a few hundred dollars.

Credit: youtube.com, Relief for thousands of families burdened by crushing medical debt

Negotiating with medical providers can help lower your bills. Many hospitals and clinics have financial assistance programs that can reduce your debt by 50% or more.

Medical billing errors are common, but they can be disputed. In one case, a patient was billed for a procedure they never received, resulting in a $10,000 credit towards their debt.

Motivation and Impact

Medical debt is a significant burden for many Americans. About one-third of U.S. adults have difficulty covering unexpected health care bills.

The leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. is medical debt. This is a staggering statistic that highlights the need for relief from medical debt.

RIP is doing this to relieve people of the burden of medical debt. By doing so, they're enhancing economic opportunities and enabling people to live healthier lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new law about medical bills on credit reports?

Medical debt will no longer be included on credit reports, preventing people from being penalized for high healthcare costs. This change aims to protect consumers from the devastating impact of medical debt on their credit scores

Is medical debt being wiped off a credit report?

No, medical debt will not be completely wiped off a credit report, but starting March 30, 2023, debts under $500 will no longer be reported.

What state is forgiving medical debt?

Delaware is a state that forgives medical debt by prohibiting creditors from foreclosing on patients' homes to collect on unpaid medical bills.

Rosalie O'Reilly

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Rosalie O'Reilly is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. She has honed her expertise in a range of article categories, including Financial Performance Metrics, where she has established herself as a knowledgeable and reliable source. Rosalie's writing style is characterized by clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of complex topics.

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