Kentucky, Kansas Partner With Nonprofit to Erase $284M Medical Debt
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order Sept. 15 directing $2.5 million to nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, which will erase $250 million in medical debt for more than 130,000 Kentuckians, with a first phase covering up to $100 million for 46,000 residents. In Kansas, Somos Votantes Education Fund partnered with Undue Medical Debt to eliminate more than $33.9 million in debt for 21,490 residents, its second such round after erasing $133 million for Nevada residents in 2025. Residents in both states qualify automatically if medical debt equals 5% or more of annual income or if they earn at or below 400% of the federal poverty level; no application is required, and eligible residents will be notified by mail. These efforts add to more than $1.1 billion in medical debt relief Undue Medical Debt has facilitated in 2026 through partnerships with California, Michigan, Connecticut, New Jersey and Parkview Health.