KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – It almost sounds too good to be true.
The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners will be looking into a plan that could reduce the medical bills for thousands locally.
Last night they agreed to set aside money in next year’s budget to work with a national non-profit, the City of Kalamazoo, the State of Michigan, and local healthcare providers to wipe out medical debt for residents who are at 400% of the poverty guideline or below.
Commissioner Jen Strebs says it could impact 38,300 county residents, and that local debt load stands at about $84 million.
She says it would be a big boost to the local economy that could benefit everyone.
A lot of pieces have to come together to make it a reality. County Administrator Kevin Catlin says the cost to the county depends on the kind of collaboration they get, and could be anywhere from $280,000 to $460,000.
County Board Chair John Taylor says it would remove a lot of barriers for local residents.
Commissioners are in the process of setting spending plans for next year’s budget.
They also agreed Tuesday night to fund programs to help county employees with daycare and emergency funding, and to also help county homeowners cover overdue tax bills to avoid foreclosure.
Final approval will come when they take a vote on the budget package in a month or two.
One measure taken off the table was a YWCA request to fund abortions and Gender Affirming care for low income residents. Local opponents have been phoning in comments for months urging the board to reject the $100,000 grant request on religious and other ground, and nine called into last night’s meeting in protest.
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