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Pioneering Program Launched by Mayor Adams Cancels Medical Debt for

Over 75,000 New Yorkers in Partnership with Undue Medical Debt

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced over 75,000 New Yorkers. Last year, Mayor Adams launched a pioneering program that — through an $18 million investment by the city over three years — will relieve some or all of the medical debt for 500,000 working-class New Yorkers on a one-time basis, totaling over $2 billion in eliminated debt. In addition, Mayor Adams today celebrated the opening of eight new ‘NYC Financial Empowerment Centers’ run by the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) at select NYC Health + Hospitals locations across the health system to help New Yorkers better plan and avoid going into medical debt in the future. This announcement continues to fulfill two more key commitments made during Mayor Adams’ 2024 State of the City address, to relieve $2 billion of New Yorkers’ medical debt and embed additional financial counselors in New York City hospitals — providing more New Yorkers with access to vital personalized financial guidance.

“For too long, and for too many, medical debt has not only been a barrier for those looking to get the health care they need, but also a major financial and emotional stressor for families through no fault of their own. Working-class New Yorkers shouldn’t have to live in fear that getting sick will break their bank, and, thanks to our administration, they won’t have to,” said Mayor Adams. “We are proud to announce another milestone in our initiative to abolish medical debt for New Yorkers. Since launching our program with Undue Medical Debt, we have cancelled nearly $135 million in medical debt for over 75,000 people and we will not stop until we reach our goal of providing $2 billion in relief for half a million of our city’s residents. We are also fulfilling our promise to place more Financial Empowerment Centers where they are needed: in our hospitals so that we can give people the tools they need to avoid going into medical debt from the start by making smarter financial decisions. Through the largest municipal medical debt relief program in the nation and providing greater access to financial resources, we are delivering debt relief and peace of mind to New Yorkers across the five boroughs, as we put money back in their pockets and make our city more affordable every day.”

“Our administration is taking a range of steps to support working-class families, and this program is one of these steps,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Suzanne Miles-Gustave. “We expect more relief to come in the coming months and years for hundreds of thousands more families. Thank you to our partners at Undue Medical Debt and the Mayor’s Fund for helping lift this financial weight from the shoulders of so many New Yorkers.” 

“Erasing medical debt isn’t just a gesture of compassion — it’s a necessity when so many New Yorkers are often forced to choose between their health and basic needs like food or housing,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “We must create a more equitable and affordable system so that New Yorkers do not fear financial ruin after seeking necessary medical care. By relieving debt burden, we’re providing people with the freedom to prioritize their health while making our city stronger and more accessible for everyone.” 

“Improving our financial health can have direct impacts on our physical and mental health,” said DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “Today, we’re encouraging all New Yorkers to get a dose of financial empowerment at one of our Financial Empowerment Centers! As a client of our Financial Empowerment Centers myself, I know firsthand how liberating it is to set yourself up for long-term financial success. Thank you to Mayor Adams and to NYC Health + Hospitals for partnering with us to help New Yorkers learn smart money habits and strengthen their financial health.”

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