1298 Families impacted: Historic partnership makes ACAF the first community foundation in WNY to erase medical debt with Undue
By Alyssa Bump, ACAF
Through the Leadership & Innovation Fund, the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) has donated $10,000 to Undue Medical Debt to allow the purchase and erasure of $1,475,163.89 in medical debt for local residents. This donation will impact 1,298 families across Allegany County.
The ACAF’s Leadership & Innovation Fund, established by ACAF co-founder Jack Carter, enables ACAF to work with organizations on larger activities that enhance the quality of life in Allegany County and encourages ACAF in its efforts to see broad community involvement in bringing forth potential projects.
Undue Medical Debt, formerly known as RIP Medical Debt, is a national non-profit organization that uses donations to purchase and erase medical debt for those in need. Undue relieves medical debt for individuals or families who earn up to four times (400%) the federal poverty level or whose medical debt equals at least five percent of their annual income.
“Undue’s mission is fueled by neighbors helping neighbors to mend a broken system and create a world where healthcare never comes at the cost of financial ruin,” Undue’s Vice President of Philanthropy Marisa Clemente said.
By purchasing medical debt in large, bundled portfolios at a fraction of its original cost, Undue is able to use donations to abolish debt for financially vulnerable communities, with one dollar donated — on average — erasing $100 of medical debt.
“There are financial, emotional, and health implications for those burdened by unpayable medical debt,” ACAF’s Executive Director Bruce Campbell said. “ACAF is glad to be in a position to help out many local residents who are dealing with this.”
Eligible families in Allegany County will be notified of their debt relief from Undue directly by mail with a branded “Undue Medical Debt” envelope out of the blue. There is no application process, no tax consequences, and no penalties. Recipients of debt relief do not need to take any action, though they are encouraged to share their testimony with the non-profit. In addition, Undue takes steps to remove any negative credit reporting associated with the relieved medical debt. To learn more about Undue’s model, visit unduemedicaldebt.org/faq/.
According to Undue, the ACAF is the first community foundation in Western New York to work with them on medical debt forgiveness. The ACAF first began communicating with Undue three years ago, reflecting a long-standing commitment to exploring innovative solutions that directly improve the well-being of Allegany County residents.
“We are profoundly grateful for the Allegany County Area Foundation’s support and their dedication to the well-being of their community,” Clemente said. “This partnership is a wonderful milestone for us, and we hope it inspires other foundation partners to join this movement to bring relief to thousands more families New York.”
The Allegany County Area Foundation manages 100 grant and scholarship funds supporting local students and charities. To give to a fund or start a fund, contact Executive Director Bruce Campbell at director@acafny.org or 585-296-5616.
