RALEIGH, N.C. - More than 2.5 million North Carolinians had over $6.5 billion in medical debt relieved this week, fulfilling the promise of the state’s plan to engage hospitals in a program to relieve medical debt and institute policies to prevent patients from incurring additional debt. By participating, hospitals were eligible to receive enhanced levels of payment under a program that began when the state expanded Medicaid in 2023. In response, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) North Carolina Government Relations Director John Broome released this statement:
“This is a monumental day for North Carolina. We applaud our state leaders for continuing to invest in the people of North Carolina and their health. The relief of more than $6.5 billion in medical debt will improve the lives of millions of people.
“The weight of medical debt is incredible. No one battling cancer or any other disease should have to make the impossible choice between lifesaving treatment and food or shelter. However, this is a reality for too many cancer patients. The results of a survey of cancer survivors conducted last year found that nearly 50% of patients took on debt to pay for their cancer care. Furthermore, one in four patients delayed or skipped care to avoid further medical debt.
“We thank our lawmakers, former Gov. Roy Cooper, current Gov. Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for their insightful plan that will help countless patients.”