New Jersey Cancels $100 Million in Medical Debt for 50,000 Residents

State allocates $550,000 in unspent federal pandemic money to partner with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to leverage relief.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy gives a speech in New York City on Jan. 31, 2023. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

New Jersey is using unspent federal pandemic relief money to eliminate $100 million in medical debt for nearly 50,000 people across the state.

Gov. Phil Murphy’s office said on Aug. 20 that funds are on the way for 17,905 New Jersey residents who collectively owe $61.6 million to Prime Healthcare hospitals, one of the nation’s largest health care providers.