Snapchat CEO and Supermodel Help Erase More Than $500 Million in Medical Debt for Californians
Snapchat CEO and Supermodel Help Erase More Than $500 Million in Medical Debt for Californians
A surprise letter arriving in the mail is about to change hundreds of thousands of lives across California.
More than 250,000 people will soon learn that their medical debt has been completely erased thanks to a major act of generosity from Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel and his wife, supermodel Miranda Kerr. Working with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, the couple helped eliminate more than **$500 million** in unpaid medical bills, giving families the chance to move forward without the weight of crushing debt.
Evan and Miranda / Instagram
The couple announced the initiative in a heartfelt video, explaining that they wanted to speak publicly because many recipients will soon receive letters informing them that their debt has been forgiven.
“If you happen to receive a letter in the mail letting you know that your medical debt has been forgiven, we want you to know, it’s real,” Kerr said.
Medical debt often lingers long after a person has recovered, creating stress during what should be a time of healing. Spiegel said that burden can follow families long after a health crisis has passed.
“When someone you love is sick, all you want to do is focus on helping them get better,” Kerr said. “That’s why we wanted to support this effort and help relieve medical debt, so families can focus on caring for their loved ones and really supporting their healing.”
One of the most remarkable parts of the effort is how simple it is for those receiving the help. There is no application to complete and no paperwork to fill out. Eligible recipients will simply receive a letter informing them that their qualifying medical debt has been forgiven.
The couple also used the announcement to highlight the work of Undue Medical Debt, the nonprofit organization that has been purchasing and abolishing medical debt since 2014.
To everyone receiving the unexpected gift, Kerr shared a heartfelt message.
“To everyone whose debt is being relieved through this effort, we’re sending you and your loved ones so much love.”
Spiegel added that he hopes the gift brings “a little peace of mind and allows you to focus on what matters the most.”
