Reviving Appalachia Through Medical Debt Relief
Every dollar you donate abolishes $100 in Medical Debt
To donate to this campaign by mail, please send a check:
Payable To:
RIP Medical Debt
Address:
RIP Medical Debt
P. O. Box 411675
Boston, MA 02241-1675
Memo Line:
RIP Medical Debt — 10762
RIPMD’s total face-value abolishments in the ARC-defined region of Appalachia – $1,069,118,490.15 of medical debt
In the past forty years, medical costs have doubled, insurance copays and deductibles have spiked, and bankruptcy rates have quadrupled, giving rise to burdensome medical debt. More than 60% of bankruptcies in America have medical debt as a root cause, and the situation is especially dire in Appalachia.
A recent study showed that in Appalachia, out-of-pocket healthcare costs are 40% higher than the national average, and this year, almost every state in Appalachia suffered a decline in insurance coverage—sure to make things worse.
Moreover, the economic hardship experienced by 1 in 5 Appalachians living below the poverty line often results in an inability to manage medical debts, exacerbating the challenges of poverty and, for many, creating a steep barrier to overcoming it. The repercussions of medical debt extend beyond financial distress, deterring individuals from seeking necessary healthcare or affording medications, thereby compromising both their health and financial security.
With its strong work ethic and abundant natural resources, Appalachia fueled America’s prosperity. From the Great Smoky Mountains to Davy Crockett, Appalachia has formed America’s cultural image. Musicians like Ralph Stanley and Dolly Parton defined American music.
While medical debt has affected all of America, it is especially tragic that the medical debt crisis has hit Appalachia so hard, an area that has given so much to the country.
How You Can Help
RIP Medical Debt donors Jim and Sharen Branscome have taken a big first step by abolishing $8 million of medical debt in the region. They’ve decided to continue their support by organizing this crowdfunding campaign that will focus on medical debt relief in Appalachia perpetually. With $240 million of medical debt available and growing in the region, the circumstances are right for a massive philanthropic opportunity.
When debt relief recipients open the yellow envelope from RIP, they are told that their debt has been bought by a third party and erased with no strings attached. They owe nothing on the debt and face no tax penalty.
Every dollar you contribute is a $100 investment in Appalachian towns and cities. Money will stay in the community instead of being taken by out-of-state debt collectors. On average, $16 can abolish the medical debt of an entire family, allowing them to invest in a home, schooling, or retirement.
“I read my letter over a few times to make sure it was the real thing. Receiving this debt relief renewed my faith that I can get back on track. It jump-started it – that we can do this – I can get back in the game! It’s unheard of what RIP does, and it’s a game changer in the medical world. It’s a game changer for me.”
Campaign Support Recipients
- Recent Donations
- Anonymous just donated $450
- Amy And Jeff I. just donated $128
- Penney F. just donated $26.80
- Anonymous just donated $106
- Katharine A. just donated $26.80
- Anthony & Mary Ann A. just donated $793
- Jennifer S. just donated $159
- Jackie G. just donated $2,113
To donate to this campaign by mail, please send a check:
Payable To:
RIP Medical Debt
Address:
RIP Medical Debt
P. O. Box 411675
Boston, MA 02241-1675
Memo Line:
RIP Medical Debt — 10762
- Recent Donations
- Anonymous just donated $450
- Amy And Jeff I. just donated $128
- Penney F. just donated $26.80
- Anonymous just donated $106
- Katharine A. just donated $26.80
- Anthony & Mary Ann A. just donated $793
- Jennifer S. just donated $159
- Jackie G. just donated $2,113
New research on the impacts of medical debt
A new survey published by PerryUndem in 2023 shows that medical debt is a shared experience for patients across the country.
Key Findings
Patients are making tradeoffs that affect their daily lives.
- Nearly 7 in 10 Nearly 7 in 10 U.S. adults say they receive medical bills they cannot afford. Many are forced to delay paying the bill, put it on a credit card, or challenge the bill.
- 6 in 10 Six in ten patients report they have self-treated, delayed, or skipped dental and medical appointments. Thirty-four percent report changing the foods they eat or eating less food to afford health care.
People and patients feel trapped in debt and see no way out. They see medical debt as different from other forms of debt - entirely the fault of institutions and systems, and not something consumers have any control over.
- Nearly 50% Nearly half feel trapped and believe they will never be able to pay off their debt, while a third of respondents reported feeling heightened depression and anxiety.
- Nearly 9 in 10 Nearly 9 in 10 blame the health care industry for fueling the medical debt crisis - not patients themselves. They say the problem stems from the system putting profit over patients.
Fundraise for This Campaign
Start a fundraiser to help those in need. Set a personal fundraising goal and track online donations easily with RIP.
How RIP Works
Over a hundred million Americans, one in three, struggles with the weight of medical debt.
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You make a donation
We use data analytics to pinpoint the debt of those most in need: households that earn less than 4x the federal poverty level (varies by state, family size) or whose debts are 5% or more of annual income.
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RIP buys medical debt at a steep discount
We buy debt in bundles, millions of dollars at a time at a fraction of the original cost. This means your donation relieves about 100x its value in medical debt.
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Together we wipe out medical debt
People across the country receive letters that their debt has been erased. They have no tax consequences or penalties to consider. Just like that, they’re free of medical debt.
Frequent Questions
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