County to use ARPA funds with Undue Medical Debt initiative after hospitals identify about $82M owed locally

Kalamazoo County administration told commissioners March 4 that it is finalizing participation in an Undue Medical Debt initiative to relieve qualifying medical debt for county residents. The county’s initial data-gathering with area hospitals identified approximately $82,000,000 in outstanding local medical debt; the county allocated $100,000 in ARPA funds toward the program rollout.

The nut graf: Administration said the program will automatically cancel qualifying debts on participating hospitals’ records; eligible residents will receive notice and do not need to apply. County staff are preparing a public webpage with details, an eligibility letter and a follow‑up notice confirming debt elimination.

Administration described a two-step outreach approach: an initial mailing to eligible residents explaining the program and a later follow-up letter that confirms debt forgiveness once hospital paperwork is completed. Undue Medical Debt and participating hospitals will manage the data-matching and cancellation process; county communications staff will publish clear guidance on eligibility, timing and next steps. County staff said this work leverages ARPA funding and local agreements and will bring direct relief to residents carrying medical debt.

Administrator and staff said they will coordinate with hospitals, the vendor, and county communications on timing and public materials. No individual eligibility decisions were made on the floor; administration will advise on the schedule for outreach and the public webpage once final verification steps are complete.