Leaders of community-based organizations call on hospital leaders to cancel liens and forgive any associated medical debt

RALEIGH (September 30, 2024) – As Executive Directors and leaders of community-based organizations around the state dedicated to health equity and affordable and accessible health care for all North Carolinians, we are releasing this letter to urge hospital leaders to follow the exemplary leadership and example set forth by Advocate Health in canceling liens for thousands of homeowners and forgiving all outstanding medical debt associated with those liens, in a way that doesn’t create additional tax liabilities for patients.

The home is a vital cornerstone of the American dream, upward economic mobility, and intergenerational wealth for families. It is therefore essential for hospitals to cancel liens and live up to their mission of taking care of patients, restoring their health, and maintaining dignity for all who seek care.

Read the full text of the letter here.

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