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Flint City Council Finance Committee approves medical debt relief proposal, moves to full council for October 14 vote

FLINT, MI – The Flint City Council’s Finance Committee voted 6-1 on Wednesday to approve a proposal to reallocate $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help eliminate $32 million in medical debt for an estimated 13,000 Flint residents. The proposal now moves to the full City Council for an expected final vote on Monday, October 14, 2024.

The vote followed a detailed presentation from community leaders and experts, including Eva Stahl, Vice President of Public Policy & Program Management at Undue Medical Debt; Susannah Vickers, Undue Medical Consultant; Gregory Brodie, Program Manager for Community Engagement at Undue Medical Debt; Jim Ananich, President & CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition; Karen Calhoun, Academic Research Program Officer at the Michigan Institute of Clinical Research (MICHR); and Rev. Monica M. Villarreal of Michigan United.

The crucial vote is a decisive step toward tackling the medical debt crisis in Flint. By reallocating local ARPA dollars, in tandem with Michigan’s $4.5 million statewide investment, Flint is poised to deliver immediate and life-changing relief to thousands of struggling families. This proposal sends a clear message: Flint is committed to fighting for its residents and addressing the unjust financial burdens that medical debt has imposed for far too long.

Rev. Villarreal celebrated the committee’s decision and urged the full council to support struggling Flint families.

“Yesterday’s vote is a powerful signal that Flint’s leaders are committed to addressing the crushing weight of medical debt that holds too many of our families back. I applaud the Finance Committee for passing this life-changing proposal and urge the full City Council to take the final step on October 14 to bring relief to thousands of residents,” said Rev. Villarreal.

The proposal would eliminate medical debt for residents who meet the eligibility criteria, including those at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level or those whose medical debt exceeds 5% of their total income.

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