On the Rise Community Development Center

Important information from Georgia Watch! If you are struggling to pay medical bills, you have options. High-interest credit card debt is rarely the only option.

Piedmont board member’s company hired to provide patients with medical credit cards WATCH NOW By Justin Gray with WSB-TVChannel 2 Action News Investigates has learned that Piedmont Healthcare hired the company of a long-time Piedmont board member to provide third-party medical credit cards to patients.Both the hospital and

💡 Struggling with medical debt? You're not alone.

👉 Medical debt over $500 can still show up on your credit report — but paid collections are removed.

💬 Tip: If your medical debt is in collections, try negotiating a settlement. You might pay less than you owe.

📊 Need help with a plan? A financial coach can help you create a manageable debt repayment strategy.

🩺 Facing unaffordable medical bills? Remember to:
1️⃣ Ask about financial assistance
2️⃣ Set up an interest-free payment plan
3️⃣ Compare prices between facilities — you have the right to know costs up front!

💡 What borrowers should consider now:
1. Switch repayment plans
You can move to an income‑driven plan such as Income-Based Repayment (IBR). Payments there cap at about 10–15% of discretionary income but count toward forgiveness and stop further interest-only growth

There’s also a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) launching by July 1, 2026, with payments capped at 1–10% of income and forgiveness after up to 30 years. Borrowers in SAVE will be transitioned to RAP by July 1, 2028, if they don’t switch sooner

2. Stay in SAVE (for now)
Borrowers can remain in SAVE’s general forbearance—but interest will continue accruing (increasing your balance). Payments still aren’t due, but you could voluntarily make interest-only payments to limit debt growth. Voluntary payments will not count toward PSLF or forgiveness credits while you're in this forbearance

3. Use the Loan Simulator
The studentaid.gov Loan Simulator tool can help you estimate your monthly payments under alternate plans and compare your options before switching

We look forward to joining tomorrow's festivities at Families First Back to School Bash! Come by our table and say hello! Register your family here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=WU5C5bcs-EGvfGNeOWY7IBDeXNsjLTxCox7wt7pda8tUOVFVVlo2TlMwR1lIM0pOTzBQMzk2UUhCUyQlQCN0PWcu