Relief on the way for those with unpaid medical debt in Orange County

Sam Delgado, the program manager of Central Florida Jobs with Justice, was at the commission meeting when the decision was made earlier this week. “We are really excited to see that the county has heard, not just from us, but also impacted people,” said Delgado.

• The nonprofit has been pushing the county for a year to help address medical debt. Delgado said 13% of Orange County residents have outstanding medical bills of $900 or more. The $4.5 million from the county "has the ability to eliminate over $400 million of debt,” said Delgado. According to Central Florida Jobs with Justice, which is a coalition of labor unions and student groups, more than 60% of all bankruptcies are caused by medical debt.