October 14, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Announces Third Round of Medical Debt Relief, Erasing Over $21 Million for Nearly 10,000 Michiganders Across the State
This action continues the administration's efforts to lower costs and support more medical debt relief
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a third round of medical debt relief, totaling over $21 million for 9,767 Michiganders. Recipients will receive letters starting this week. The State of Michigan has now provided more than $221 million in relief through each round of debt forgiveness through nonprofit, Undue Medical Debt.
"In Michigan, no one should go broke trying to pay for the care they need,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud to continue to partner with Undue Medical Debt to erase over $21 million of medical debt for almost 10,000 Michiganders across the state. This action ensures fewer Michigan families have to choose between putting food on the table or paying their medical bills, especially when so many already are struggling with rising costs on the essentials due to DC Republicans’ tariffs, cuts to Medicaid, and their Iran War. Let’s keep working together to reduce medical debt in Michigan.”
“This relief gives thousands of people across our state a chance to move forward with greater peace of mind and financial security,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Medical debt can keep Michiganders from getting ahead, making it harder to put food on the table, or get the care they need before a health problem gets worse. I will keep standing tall to protect and expand access to quality, affordable health care because every Michigander deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life and build a brighter future.”
The State of Michigan has contracted with the national nonprofit, Undue Medical Debt, with the goal of putting money back in Michiganders’ pockets by erasing medical debt for people across the state. On average, one dollar given to Undue Medical Debt relieves $100 of medical debt. The debt was sourced from local hospitals, which wish to remain anonymous but are committed to community benefit and making healthcare accessible. As the cost of health care continues to skyrocket, Governor Whitmer remains committed to keeping costs low for Michiganders, so they can get the care they need without breaking the bank.
“I just got my letter from Undue Medical Debt, and I’m still in awe,” said Luna, Michigan debt relief recipient; over $2,400 relieved. “I had no idea such an organization existed. I’m so thankful for everything they’ve done for me. Dealing with debt can feel like a mountain, but Undue Medical Debt really helped ease that burden.”
“I received a letter that one of my medical debts was abolished,” said Renee, Michigan debt relief recipient; over $1,600 relieved. “This couldn’t have happened at a better time, as our family has faced multiple significant medical emergencies in the last month. In addition, I am a cancer patient who spends a considerable amount of money monthly just to stay alive. Having this debt off my plate allows me to focus on my health.”
“The debt that was erased was from when my son had pneumonia. He had to have X-Rays done to confirm it. I’m so thankful that this debt has been paid off,” said Pamala, Michigan debt relief recipient, nearly $700 relived. “I am an in-home caregiver for my autistic niece. I’m paid through a local program, but she only qualifies for 10 hours of care a week. I have been called countless times from the collection [company] to pay off this debt. We are a family of 6 and earn well under the poverty line. So, to not have this weighing on myself and my family is a blessing. Thank you so much!”
Impact of Medical Debt Abolishment
Medical debt often results from unplanned and unexpected illnesses and accidents. About half of adults in the United States have difficulty in paying their health care bills. In many areas and for many reasons, people remain uninsured and those who are insured receive expensive bills after receiving care.
Across the U.S., medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy, and it affects hundreds of thousands of Michiganders who have to choose between paying their medical bills or putting food on the table. Relieving Michiganders of the burden of medical debt will help to stop people from skipping or delaying medical care because of cost-related fears and support people living healthier lives.
Undue Medical Debt is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to erasing medical debt for Americans across the country by purchasing qualifying medical debt in bulk for pennies on the dollar from providers like hospitals and physicians’ groups as well as collection agencies. The partnership between Undue Medical Debt and the State of Michigan will support hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, giving them a lifeline to free themselves of the burden of medical debt.
Those who qualify for medical debt relief earn at or below 400% the federal poverty level, (around $100k/year for a family of three), or have medical debts that equal 5% or more of their annual income. These are the only criteria for relief. This is a one-time abolishment to help remove the financial and emotional burden of unpayable medical debts. Medical debt relief cannot be requested and is source-based, depending on community-minded providers like hospitals who choose to engage. Those benefiting from medical debt relief will receive an Undue branded letter in the mail starting this week. There is no action required from recipients, the letters simply inform them of debt relief details and encourage them to share their stories.
Fighting to Reduce Medical Debt
The Whitmer-Gilchrist administration is committed to reducing medical debt for Michiganders across the state and putting more money back in people’s pockets. Today and previous rounds of medical debt erasure have been supported by a $4.5 million 2024 State of Michigan appropriation. In 2026, Governor Whitmer signed a balanced, bipartisan budget protecting core Medicaid services for Michiganders.
In her 2026 State of the State address, Governor Whitmer called on the legislature to take action to ease the burden of medical debt:
Through the State of Michigan’s partnership with Undue, more rounds of medical debt forgiveness will take place in the future.
About Undue Medical Debt
Undue Medical Debt (formerly RIP Medical Debt) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose purpose is to strengthen communities by erasing financially burdensome medical debt. Founded in 2014 by former debt collection executives, Undue Medical Debt is the only national charitable organization that erases un-payable medical debts, having erased nearly $50 billion of medical debt for over 31 million families in all 50 states. It works tirelessly to end medical debt and ensure a future where everyone can access healthcare without fear. Learn more: https://unduemedicaldebt.org/faq/
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