By Bob Katzen

An estimated 70,000 Massachusetts residents are soon going to receive letters announcing that they will receive a portion of more than $38 million in direct medical debt relief under a nonprofit partnership created by the Atrius Health Equity Foundation. The foundation has erased more than $293 million in medical debt since it started in 2024.

Supporters note that there is no application process for this debt relief, and it cannot be requested. Patients are automatically selected if they meet certain income criteria and their medical debt is available for acquisition through a partnership with a provider, such as a hospital or collection agency. Patients receiving the letters do not need to take any action. The eligible medical debt will automatically be eliminated for those who qualify, no strings attached and negative credit score marks will be removed.

“Medical debt not only impacts families’ long-term financial future, but also makes people reluctant to seek care,” said Dr. Ann Hwang, president of the Atrius Health Equity Foundation. “Our hope is that the patients and families across Eastern Massachusetts aided by this debt relief can move forward without this burden.”

“For too many patients, an unexpected illness or medical emergency can create financial hardship that lasts long after they leave the hospital, ER or doctor’s office,” said Undue Medical Debt CEO and President, Allison Sesso. “Eliminating medical debt gives people a meaningful fresh start and ensures that getting the care they need doesn’t come at the cost of their economic security and mental health.”