Apr 16, 2026

Local Philanthropist Helps Clear $200 Million in Medical Debt

In conjunction with a small group of donors, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation has paid off $200 million of unpaid medical debt held by more than 120,000 residents in Miami-Dade County. Unpaid medical debt creates tremendous burdens, including harassment by debt collectors, forgoing necessary medical care, pressure on other financial needs and general financial distress. Studies show that having the debt paid off greatly benefits the families and communities involved. Federation worked with Undue Medical Debt, a leading debt relief nonprofit, to make this moment possible. Qualifying recipients, those most burdened by medical debt, will be notified that their medical debt has been cleared by Federation and its donors with an Undue Medical Debt envelope in the mail in a couple of weeks, sending a message to our friends that the Jewish community is resolute in our commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world), taking care of not only Jews, but all of our neighbors.