(FORT WAYNE) - Parkview Health has erased more than $64 million in medical debt for nearly 36,000 patients across northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.
The health system partnered with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to forgive outstanding bills owed by patients who met income-based criteria. Eligible patients will receive letters this week and do not need to take any action.
Parkview officials say the debt was donated for forgiveness rather than sold, allowing balances to be eliminated entirely. Most patients affected live in Indiana and Ohio and include people with commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or no insurance.
The nonprofit targets patients whose medical debt represents a significant share of their income, aiming to relieve financial stress and help people reengage with care.