Practical steps for seniors: how to check for relief where you live

If you’re a senior with medical debt, here’s a step-by-step checklist to see if you qualify for current or upcoming relief:

1. Search your state government site for “medical debt forgiveness,” “medical debt,” or “charity care.” Governors’ press pages and state health or treasury departments publish program details (examples: New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan).
2. Contact your county or city government—many programs are local. City health departments and county treasurers sometimes post ARPA-funded debt projects.
3. Ask your hospital billing office about charity care and hardship policies. Hospitals must post charity care rules; older adults on fixed incomes often qualify.
4. Check nonprofit programs: Organizations that buy and forgive debt (sometimes called “medical-debt buyers”) run statewide campaigns in partnership with governments. Search the nonprofit name shown in state press releases.
5. If you’re worried about credit reporting, check your credit report and local law. If your state restricts reporting of medical debt, collectors may not be allowed to report to bureaus. You can pull your free annual credit reports and dispute medical collections that should be blocked.