Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Parkview Health is partnering with Undue Medical Debt to eliminate $64.13 million in medical debt for more than 35,000 patients.
Parkview Health chose to donate its debt to Undue — formerly known as RIP Medical Debt — rather than sell it to the nonprofit, according to a Jan. 13 news release shared with Becker’s.
The health system’s donated debt spans patients nationwide but primarily includes patients residing in Indiana and Ohio, according to the release. The majority of those receiving relief have commercial insurance, followed by those who are self-pay and those on Medicare or Medicaid.
“Debt forgiveness goes far beyond just financial relief,” said Ray Dusman, MD, president of Parkview’s physician and clinical enterprise. “When people avoid or delay care due to cost, their health and overall well-being can suffer — and no one should have to choose between their health and financial security.”
Undue acquires medical debt from those who earn at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or hold medical debt totaling at least 5% of their annual income. Notifications in Undue Medical Debt-branded envelopes will begin arriving at the homes of qualifying patients this week, according to the release.
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