NBC 25 & Fox 66 Form Partnership to Relieve Medical Debt

Local TV stations Fox 66 and NBC 25 will be partnering with RIP Medical Debt to purchase and forgive one million dollars' worth of medical debt in the local viewing area.

Through the charitable organization based in New York, large portfolios of medical debt will be purchased for just pennies on the dollar and completely forgiven.

Nearly 1,000 Mid-Michigan residents will receive a yellow envelope in the mail explaining what portion of their debt is forgiven. This could be anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000. Individuals will be selected based on financial need, and the TV stations will have no role in selecting whose debt is forgiven, in order to protect individuals' privacy.

Selected residents of Genesee, Saginaw, Midland, Bay, Ogemaw, Iosco, Gladwin, Arenac, Isabella, Gratiot, Tuscola, Huron, and Shiawassee counties will receive their invitations in the mail this week.

According to a news release from Fox 66 and NBC 25, there's about $230 million in medical debt across their 13-county viewing area. The TV stations say they want to bring awareness to the problem and provide resources for those looking for advice.

Residents also the opportunity to donate through the stations' websites and every dollar raised will be matched by Elga Credit Union, up to $5,000.