"Connecticut to Erase Medical Debt for Eligible Residents, First State to Do So"

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced that the state will be the first to cancel medical debt for all eligible residents, using $6.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to erase approximately $1 billion in medical debt. The relief program aims to help those hit with a medical emergency and will not require eligible residents to apply for the debt cancellation. Qualifying residents include those with household incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty line or whose medical debt equates to 5% or more of their annual income. The initiative intends to provide financial and emotional relief while stimulating the local economy, with similar plans implemented in cities like New York City, New Orleans, and Pittsburgh.