Former Charlotte doctor working to help relieve medical debt for Charlotte families

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Being buried in hospital bills is a common issue for many families in Mecklenburg County.

"A thousand dollars is a huge stress financially, especially for a family who has a limited income," former doctor at Atrium Health Christopher Lakin said.

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Data from the Urban Institute shows that 18% of families have medical debt in collections, compared to a national average of 13%.

It's a burden that Lakin is hoping to help ease.

"People can get in the room and try to do something for the community, especially if it's not costly," Lakin said.

To help Charlotte residents, Lakin has reached out to RIP Medical Debt, a charity that has erased billions of dollars in medical debt across the country.

The idea is coming with pushback from Charlotte's two biggest hospitals Atrium Health and Novant Health.

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"It seems like an easy and simple thing they can do to help even more," said Lakin. "I don’t think Atrium would be giving up huge sums of money, which is why it's such a mystery behind why they’re so resistant."

WCNC Charlotte reached out to both hospitals about Lakin's push to relieve medical debt. 

A spokesperson from Novant said that, instead of selling debt, they have incentives for households with an income of up to 300% of the federal poverty level. Novant also has discounts and interest-free payment plans for those in need.

But Lakin says that's not enough.

"Keep in mind for every dollar RIP spends acquiring debt, that could relieve a hundred dollars of medical debt," Lakin said. "If I gave them a thousand, that would be a hundred thousand dollars wiped out."

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Lakin added that the debt relief would be a one-time thing.

As Lakin continues his push to bring more relief to Charlotte families, he is also working ahead to find solutions to end the rigorous debt cycle.

"There has been a lot written about the American health care system, and while there a lot of positives, it doesn’t have an equitable way people can access and pay for medical care."

Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.