Today, Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai announced that North Carolina’s Medical Debt Relief Program has erased more than $6.5 billion in medical debt for 2.5 million residents.

Sangvai said the total far surpasses early projections made when the initiative launched in July 2024. The figure includes debt cleared directly through the program and additional balances forgiven as hospitals updated policies.

“Medical debt delays access to care and easing debt is a pivotal step forward to improving the health and well-being of those who carry the emotional stress and financial weight of high costs for medical care.” said Sangvai in a press release. “We are grateful to the hospitals and providers who are helping to give a fresh start to millions of North Carolinians.”

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