The Problem: In the past forty years, medical costs have doubled, insurance copays and deductibles have spiked, and bankruptcy rates have quadrupled, creating an avalanche of destructive medical debt.

More than 60% of bankruptcies in America have medical debt as a root cause, and the situation is especially dire in Appalachia.

A recent study showed that in Appalachia, out-of-pocket healthcare costs are 40% higher than the national average, and this year almost every state in Appalachia suffered a decline in insurance coverage—sure to make things worse.

Nearly one in five people in Appalachia are in poverty, and medical debt makes that poverty impossible to escape. Medical debt destroys a family’s credit rating; denying access to loans, an apartment, and even a job. People in medical debt are less likely to seek medical care or fill prescriptions so that, in the end, medical debt not only destroys well-being and economic security, it can kill.

With its strong work ethic and abundant natural resources, Appalachia fueled America's prosperity. From the Great Smoky Mountains to Davy Crockett, Appalachia has formed America's cultural image. Musicians like Ralph Stanley and Dolly Parton defined American music. 

While medical debt has affected all of America, it is especially tragic that the medical debt crisis has hit Appalachia so hard; an area that has given so much to the country. 

RIP Medical Debt donors, Jim and Sharen Branscome, have taken a big first step by abolishing $8 million of medical debt in the region. They've decided to continue their support by organizing this crowdfunding campaign that will focus on medical debt relief in Appalachia perpetually. With $240 million of medical debt available and growing in the region, the circumstances are right for a massive philanthropic opportunity.

RIP’s Solution: RIP Medical Debt uses your donations to purchase bundled medical debt portfolios on the secondary debt market, and then forgives that debt at pennies on the dollar. 

On average, $1 is leveraged to abolish $100 in medical debt, and every donation through this page will be spent directly on abolishing medical debt in Appalachia.

When debt relief recipients open the yellow envelope from RIP, they are told that their debt has been bought by a third party and erased with no strings attached. They owe nothing on the debt and face no tax penalty. A recent beneficiary wrote to us, saying:

"I read my letter over a few times to make sure it was the real thing. Receiving this debt relief renewed my faith that I can get back on track. It jump-started it – that we can do this – I can get back in the game! It's unheard of what RIP does, and it's a game changer in the medical world. It's a game changer for me.”
    — Reagan, RIP Medical Debt Recipient of Debt Relief

Join the movement to abolish $1 billion in medical debt by 2020: Every dollar you contribute is a $100 investment in Appalachian towns and cities. Money will stay in the community instead of being taken by out-of-state debt collectors. On average, $16 can abolish the medical debt of an entire family, allowing them to invest in a home, schooling, or retirement.

Who We Are: RIP Medical Debt is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that locates, buys, and forgives medical debt. We empower donors to relieve oppressive medical debt in their community for individuals who are below twice the federal poverty line, have debts greater than their assets, or have debts greater than 5% of their annual income.

RIP Medical Debt is unique in its expertise but needs continued support from generous donors. Compassion drives the work of RIP Medical Debt and every dollar is highly leveraged with a ROI of 100:1. Let’s abolish medical debt in Appalachia together. For good.

Please see the rest of the FAQ below and visit www.ripmedicaldebt.org for more information. 

Facts about Medical Debt

• More than $100 billion in unpaid medical debt every year adversely impacts debtor patients, physicians, and hospitals.
• 6 in 10 of both insured and uninsured people say they have difficulty paying other bills as a result of medical debt. Over a third were unable to pay for food, heat, or housing because of medical bills.
• Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults under age 65, or 116 million people, had medical bill problems or debt, went without needed care because of cost, were uninsured for a time, or were underinsured—insured but had high out-of-pocket medical expenses or deductibles relative to income.
• Medical debt contributes to more than 60% of the bankruptcies in the US. Until satisfied, debt lingers on a person’s credit report to negatively impact their ability to buy a home, get a loan, or even gain employment.

Whose unpayable medical bills does RIP forgive?

• Individuals who make less than twice the federal poverty level
• Individuals with financial hardship - a debt that is 5% or more of their annual income
• Individuals who are insolvent (have debts greater than their assets)

Why donate to RIP Medical Debt?

• Your dollar goes a long way! On average, $1 abolishes $100 of debt.
• 100 percent of your donation through this form goes towards abolishing medical debt in Appalachia.
• RIP Medical Debt is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and our EIN number is 47-1442997. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
• There are no tax consequences for those whose medical debts are forgiven. The forgiveness is a gift from a detached and disinterested third party (RIP Medical Debt), so forgiveness of the debt does not count as income for the gift recipient.

RIP Medical Debt's Federal Tax ID: 47-1442997

You can donate or register to fundraise using the buttons below!