Rep. Michele Grim Announces Additional $26 Million in Medical Debt Relief for Toledo Residents

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) announced a new round of medical debt relief that will eliminate $26 million in medical debt for approximately 6,400 Toledo residents through a collaboration with Undue Medical Debt and a local healthcare provider.

The latest round builds on a community-wide effort that began while Rep. Grim was serving on Toledo City Council. In partnership with Undue Medical Debt, the initiative has helped eliminate approximately $263 million in medical debt for about 123,000 people in the region, including relief made possible through local government commitments and additional support from Undue Medical Debt’s philanthropic efforts.

“Medical debt shouldn’t be a burden that follows families for years. With this latest round of relief, 6,400 Toledo residents will have $26 million in medical debt wiped away, giving them a fresh start,” said Rep. Grim. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with Undue Medical Debt and our community partners, and even prouder of the relief we’ve brought to Toledo families.”

Residents who qualify for this round of relief will be notified by a letter in the mail. Recipients do not need to apply for the relief.

Rep. Grim introduced House Bill 257, the Ohio Medical Debt Fairness Act, in May 2025. The legislation is designed to limit the financial harm caused by medical debt by capping interest at 3 percent annually and limiting wage garnishments.

Rep. Grim has continued to advocate for affordable, accessible healthcare, including through House Bill 289, which would establish the Ohio Health Care Plan to provide universal health coverage. She will continue working to reduce healthcare costs and protect Ohioans from medical debt.