Lexington used a $1 million public contract to wipe out millions in hospital bills. In Paducah, organizers are crowdfunding — hoping to clear a fraction of that total without city hall.
LFUCG has been working to mitigate odor issues near the Town Branch and West Hickman pump stations for years.
Lexington's payroll growth is expected to grow at a slower rate over the coming years, likely impacting the city's ability to create new positions and recurring programs.
Council will receive a six-month update on the city’s partnership with Undue Medical Debt, which purchases medical debt from healthcare providers like hospitals.
In Tuesday, January 13th’s Council Work Session, Council will receive a six-month update on the city’s partnership with Undue Medical Debt.
Undue Medical Debt (UMD) is an organization that purchases medical debt from healthcare providers like hospitals. Unlike debt collectors, UMD erases the debt with no strings attached, so people no longer need to pay that chunk of their medical debt. In 2025, LFUCG entered into a $1 million, three-year contract with Undue Medical Debt with the goal of forgiving $90 million in medical debt for Fayette County residents.
To be eligible, recipients must either:
Residents can’t apply for debt relief through this program. UMD purchases qualifying debt directly from healthcare providers, and eligible residents are automatically selected based on these criteria. Recipients receive a letter in the mail notifying them that their debt has been forgiven.
In November, LFUCG announced the program purchased more than $12.6 million in medical debt for 6,484 Fayette County residents. UMD says the cost was about $90,000, or only 0.7% of the total cost of the debt itself, bringing a 140:1 return on investment. The partnership with LFUCG still has over $900,000 left to spend.
During Tuesday’s presentation, council will receive demographic information on the people whose debts were abolished. For example, 82% of these beneficiaries earn above the federal poverty line.
Multiple beneficiaries have also shared their responses and testimonies, which will be shared during the meeting.
If you or someone you know had their medical debt abolished in this first wave, and you want to share your story, please reach out at anabel@nextcity.org!
Lexington used a $1 million public contract to wipe out millions in hospital bills. In Paducah, organizers are crowdfunding — hoping to clear a fraction of that total without city hall.
Following a fatal gas leak in Cardinal Valley, the new ordinance would require carbon monoxide detectors in all commercial and residential buildings in Fayette County.
Earlier this year, LFUCG signed a $1 million, three-year contract with Undue Medical Debt with the goal of forgiving $90 million in medical debt.