Homeowners/Medical Hardship & Medical Debt

Medical Hardship & Medical Debt

Medical hardship and medical debt resources by city in the Carolinas. Hospital charity care, Medicaid enrollment, NC Medical Debt Relief Program, and home protection.

What homeowners need to know

Resources for homeowners facing medical debt — hospital financial assistance, Medicaid, medical billing advocacy, and home protection.

Medical debt in Charlotte, NC rarely justifies losing your home. North Carolina prohibits medical liens on property, expanded Medicaid in December 2023 (covering adults up to 138% FPL), and launched a landmark Medical Debt Relief Program that has erased over $6.5 billion in medical debt for 2.5 million residents.

Common questions

Can a hospital put a lien on my home for unpaid medical bills in NC?

In North Carolina, medical providers are prohibited from placing liens on your home for unpaid medical bills. In South Carolina, if a medical creditor obtains a court judgment, it can become a lien on your property — but the homestead exemption protects up to $63,250 in equity.

What is the NC Medical Debt Relief Program?

North Carolina's landmark program uses Medicaid payments to incentivize hospitals to forgive medical debt. As of late 2025, over $6.5 billion in medical debt has been erased for more than 2.5 million North Carolinians. All 99 eligible NC hospitals participate.

How do I apply for hospital financial assistance in Charlotte?

All nonprofit hospitals must have a financial assistance (charity care) policy under federal law. Contact the hospital billing office and request the application. In Charlotte, Atrium Health covers 100% for patients below 300% FPL, and Novant Health offers tiered discounts up to 300% FPL.

Medical Hardship in North Carolina

Select a city to see local resources, government contacts, and next steps for North Carolina homeowners.

Medical Hardship in South Carolina

Select a city to see local resources, government contacts, and next steps for South Carolina homeowners.

Your local real estate expert

Connect with a licensed Realtor who specializes in helping homeowners navigate medical hardship & medical debt across the Carolinas.

CE

Chamiese Evans

Licensed Realtor — NorthGroup Real Estate

Helping homeowners across the Carolinas find the right path forward — whether that means selling, negotiating, or exploring every option before making a decision.

Visit listrobin.com

Researched by CC Evans, Marketing Analyst — RobinOffer

Licensed Real Estate Broker · NC License #332092

NorthGroup Real Estate · Charlotte, NC

Last reviewed: February 2026

This directory is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Confirm all options with licensed counsel or a qualified financial professional before signing any agreement.

Sources: NC General Statutes · SC Code of Laws · HUD.gov · CFPB.gov

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