Second wave of medical debt relief for some Lexington residents, clearing more than $5 million

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Thousands of Lexington residents will soon see relief from medical bills after the city announced a second round of medical debt forgiveness.

City officials say more than 3,000 people will begin receiving letters this week notifying them that all or part of their outstanding medical debt has been paid off. According to the city, the latest effort will eliminate more than $5 million in medical debt through a partnership between the Urban County Council and the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

Leaders say the move builds on an earlier round of relief announced in November, when more than $12 million in medical debt was cleared for over 6,000 residents.

Officials say the program targets qualifying debt purchased at a reduced cost through the nonprofit, allowing the city to erase large amounts of medical bills for people who meet income and eligibility requirements.

City leaders say the goal is to reduce financial stress for families and help residents focus on long-term stability without the burden of overwhelming medical expenses.