Not a day goes by without distressing news concerning some aspect of healthcare in the United States.  Stories about unaffordable premiums, limits on payouts for procedures, and rules for preexisting conditions all make understanding and working within our system very challenging.  Perhaps for me the most challenging issue of all is the resulting reality of medical debt and its unintended consequences on the lives of so many people who are caught in this nightmare. 

Thanks to WLOS and Mountain Xpress for this coverage!

https://wlos.com/news/local/asheville-group-joins-effort-to-pay-off-medical-debt-for-those-in-need

https://mountainx.com/opinion/debt-destroyers-locals-launch-campaign-to-relieve-wnc-medical-debt/

Facts about Medical Debt

1 in 5 people living in the U.S. are grappling with medical debt;

Nearly 50% of all credit card debt in the US is from medical debt;

Medical debt contributes to 60% of all bankruptcies in America, negatively impacting their ability to buy a home, get a loan or even gain employment;

More than 40% of Americans wouldn’t be able to cover an emergency expense of $400; and

6 in 10 of both insured and uninsured people say they have difficulty in paying other bills as a result of medical debt. Over a third are unable to pay for food, heat, or housing because of medical bills.

Whose unpayable medical bills does RIP forgive?

Individuals who earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level

Individuals with financial hardship - a debt that that is 5% or more of their annual income

Individuals who are insolvent (debts greater than their assets)

Why Donate to RIP Medical Debt?

Your dollar goes a long way:   $1 abolishes $100 of debt!

100% of your donation goes towards abolishing medical debt.

RIP Medical Debt is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and the 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) and is an act of generosity, so forgiveness of the debt is not considered income to the gift recipient.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

1)Make a donation by April 15, 2019 to our NC specific fundraising campaign.  

Or mail your check (designating the NC Campaign) to:

RIP Medical Debt

80 Theodore Fremd Avenue

Rye, NY 10580

2)Share this appeal with your friends and everybody you know.  Together we can make a tremendous difference in so many peoples’ lives.

From Forsyth County in the Piedmont to all the western counties of North Carolina, your support of this campaign will help our friends and neighbors most in need. Please make your donation before April 15, 2019.

There are five of us in Asheville leading the NC Campaign. Click on the Event Home tab at the top of this page to see the total funds raised and to learn more about RIP Medical Debt, especially as seen through the eyes of John Oliver.