More than 97,000 Connecticut residents will begin receiving letters the week of June 1 informing them that some or all of their medical debt has been erased under an initiative launched by Governor Ned Lamont in partnership with the national nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt.
This marks the fourth round of the initiative, which is eliminating nearly $315 million in medical debt. Since its inception in 2024, over 252,000 Connecticut residents struggling with medical bills have had more than $513 million in debt cancelled. Governor Ned Lamont said, “Medical debt is a burden carried by families in every Connecticut community, but it disproportionately affects working-class families. While the Trump administration continues to ignore patients’ plight by gutting essential medical programs, including Medicaid, FQHCs, and Planned Parenthood, tax credits and subsidies for the Exchange, Connecticut is taking an active role in wiping out medical debt. On behalf of everyone whose unbearable weight of medical debt has been relieved, thank you to the hospitals, doctors, and other providers who have partnered with Undue Medical Debt. Your efforts have changed lives.”
Undue Medical Debt uses state investments to negotiate with hospitals and other providers on large portfolios of qualifying patient debts. Eligible individuals must have income at or below four times (400%) the federal poverty level or face medical debts amounting to at least five percent of their income. The organization purchases these bundled debts from participating partners such as hospitals and collection agencies at a fraction of their face value.
There is no application process for this relief; eligible recipients are identified through bulk portfolio purchases and will receive an envelope branded by Undue Medical Debt containing a letter from the organization along with the state seal over several days.
Allison Sesso, president and CEO of Undue Medical Debt, said: “Nobody should go broke just because they got sick, but our healthcare system too often leaves families on the hook for bills they simply can’t pay. That’s exactly why partnerships like this one matter so much. With more than 252,000 people helped and over $513 million in medical debt erased since this initiative began, we’re providing immediate tangible relief to thousands of families. We’re grateful to Governor Lamont for his continued leadership and hope this relief encourages recipients to re-engage with the healthcare system. We look forward to helping even more Connecticut families get the care they need without fear of financial ruin.”
The first round took place in December 2024, erasing about $30 million for roughly 23,000 people; subsequent rounds occurred in May 2025 ($100 million for about 100,000 people) and December 2025 ($63 million for about 40,000 people). The program continues into this year using legislation enacted by Governor Lamont and lawmakers that provides $6.5 million from ARPA funding through 2026.
