Medical Debt Forgiveness
Romans 13:8-Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another….
Join us on November 19th for Peace and Comfort Sunday to relieve medical debt for New Mexicans...
We invite churches and individuals to give to the Presbytery's Medical Debt Relief Fund on Sunday, November 19th. This is “Year Two” of the Medical Debt Relief partnership with Presbyterian Healthcare. Last year, the member churches of the Presbytery of Santa Fe collected $38,792 which translated to over $554,000 of medical debt burden lifted from the shoulders of New Mexicans across the state. As part of this year's campaign, we are recognizing the 19th as "Peace and Comfort Sunday" in collaboration with the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. All are invited to attend the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Congregation Albert on Sunday, November 19th at 3 pm. The offering collected will also benefit the Presbytery's Medical Debt Relief Fund.
A collaboration between Presbytery of Santa Fe, Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, and the New Mexico Conference of Churches will allow donations collected by the faith communities to purchase uncollectible medical debt owed to Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS) at the rate of $.07 on the dollar. PHS will write off the remaining $.93. Patients who receive debt forgiveness will be randomly selected using an algorithm based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, with a focus on those who work, sometimes at multiple jobs, but do not earn enough to live on. PHS provides 100% financial assistance to all patients with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, so this program helps those who do not qualify for total assistance. Every patient whose debt is forgiven will be notified by PHS by letter that a financial contribution from the Presbytery of Santa Fe and the affiliated denominations of NMCC has covered their debt. PHS operates nine hospitals and serves one-in-three New Mexicans with healthcare coverage – so the benefits and blessings are widespread.
Donations will be received through the Presbytery of Santa Fe. To count toward this year's contribution, please send donations by December 18th.
- Checks can be mailed to Presbytery of Santa Fe, 217 Locust St NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102. Indicate Medical Debt Relief in the memo.
- Electronic payment (debit, credit, or PayPal) can be made at this link.
