Tennessee Residents Receive Medical Debt Relief

Medical debt can have a disastrous impact on consumers' finances and force them into foreclosure or bankruptcy. But individuals living in Tennessee may receive state aid to help them reduce their medical bills and get back on track financially.

A state assistance group TennCare has announced the launch of a "Spend Down" program, which will be available to low-income families who are unable to pay their medical bills, according to ABC News affiliate WTCV. Residents must be over the age of 65, have a disability and fall within certain income brackets to be eligible.

The program will allow a maximum enrollment of 7,000 individuals, which will be transitioned into the program on a rolling basis until the program is full, the news station said.

Consumers facing medical debt may also be able to work out a debt relief plan directly with their doctor or hospital. Most medical providers will negotiate patients' bills or agree to reduce a portion of the costs if consumers agree to pay the lowered amount in full within a certain amount of time.