North Carolinas state program has erased $6.5 billion in medical debt for 2.5 million patients, focusing on Medicaid-linked hospital reforms. Major hospital systems like Atrium Health and Novant Health have wiped out over $1 billion in patient debt, with Forsyth County hospitals providing over $500 million and Wake County seeing just over $100 million. The program primarily benefits low-income families, but leaves out those with newer bills, those owing money to non-hospital providers, and some middle-income individuals. New federal changes may impact the states ability to mandate charity care and billing rules, but state officials hope hospitals will continue these policies voluntarily. The program is expected to significantly improve the financial well-being of many residents.
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