Residents and nonprofit pitch using ARPA funds to erase medical debt for Flint households

Several residents and nonprofit representatives urged the Flint City Council to dedicate $50,000 in federal ARPA funds to a program that would buy and eliminate medical debt for eligible Flint residents.

Advocates, including Monica Villarreal of the Undo Medical organizing team, told the council that Undo Medical and partners had prepared materials answering council questions and that similar programs have been run by nearby counties. "On average, for every dollar invested, Undo Medical is able to eliminate $100 in debt," Villarreal said, summarizing the program’s leverage. She also said the program would use state MDHHS budget allocations that municipalities can access and that Undo Medical would invoice the city for reimbursement under a contract.

Supporters at the podium described medical debt as a common driver of bankruptcy and a barrier to housing, employment and credit. Lisa Passburg and Linda Polley urged reallocating ARPA money, noting ARPA rules limit some infrastructure uses but expressly allow targeting underserved communities. Polley told the council, "This is ARPA money," and argued that because much of Flint is in qualified census tracts the city is an appropriate candidate to use ARPA funds for medical-debt relief.

Speakers said neighboring jurisdictions have already used state and local funds to erase portfolios of medical debt and urged the council to act. No ordinance, resolution or vote on this proposal appears in the meeting transcript; the discussion occurred during the public comment period and the speakers left the proposal for council consideration.

Council members did not take formal action on the proposal at the meeting. Staff materials referenced by speakers (presentation folders and a fact sheet) were said to have been distributed to council members earlier. The city would need to draft a contract with vendor/partner terms, clarify eligibility criteria and document allowable ARPA uses before making any appropriation.

If the council decides to pursue a program like the one described, it could include contract terms requiring invoices and compliance reporting, the speakers said. Advocates asked for council direction to bring a formal resolution or contract for consideration at a future meeting.

Community advocates who spoke: Monica Villarreal (Undo Medical organizing team), Lisa Passburg (resident), Linda Polley (resident).