Northern Indiana Doctors Partner to Clear $1.7 Million in Medical Debt in 8 Counties
PLYMOUTH — Three doctors in northern Indiana have pledged to erase the $1.7M medical debt for their 8 surrounding counties by partnering with RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit organization that allows generous donors to clear the medical debt that cripples families and individuals.
Dr. Joel Schumacher of Schumacher Family Medicine in Plymouth, and Drs. Janelle and Matt Pflieger of Cardinal Family Medicine in Huntington have teamed up to erase the combined medical debt in Marshall, Starke, Fulton, Kosciusko counties and Huntington, Wells, Whitley, and Wabash counties. With each donated dollar purchasing $100 of debt, their goal is to raise $17,000 by this August to purchase and forgive the $1.7M medical debt represented by these counties.
“We launched our fund-raising campaign in early March, and then coronavirus hit,” explained Dr. Joel Schumacher. “That wasn’t something we planned on, and our efforts needed to take a temporary back seat. The initial response was so positive though and people have been so generous that we are well on our way to our goal. We are committed to reaching our goal by the end of August.”
Dr. Janelle Pflieger added that once they meet their goal, they will notify the community when medical debt relief letters are being sent out so those relieved can keep their eyes peeled for a branded, yellow RIP envelope.
Donations of any size can have a large impact on forgiving debt. Everyone is invited to join this northern Indiana campaign by visiting the secure website at secure. qgiv.com/events/indrs.
As direct primary care doctors, Schumacher and the Pfliegers are passionate about finding innovative solutions that reduce health care costs while improving access and transparency.
They are also passionate about finding community-based ways to help their neighbors.
Two thirds of all personal bankruptcies in America are tied to a medical event, either
October 24, 1946 - July 9, 2020
Paul H. Stull (73) passed away on July 9, 2020, at 4:00
AM at Miller’s Merry Manor
Nursing Home in Plymouth.
Paul was the son of Earl and
Eva Burkholder Stull who was born in Plymouth, Indiana on
October 24, 1946. He has been a life long resident of the
Plymouth and Tyner area living in a Pathfinder Group home.
Paul attended day services at
Marshall Starke Development Center and was a carry-out person at Martin’s Supermarket and he enjoyed meeting the people. Paul was also fascinated with firetrucks and school buses and was a participant in the Marshall County Special Olympics as a bowler and shot put event.
Survivors who will miss Paul are his cousins, Carol Foster of Plymouth, Rex Stull and Myrna Stull both of Walkerton and numerous other family and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his parents.
Due to the current Coronavirus conditions the family has chosen to have a graveside service at Tyner Cemetery, Sunday, July 12, 2020, at 2:00 PM.
Deaton-clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Shirley’s family in making arrangements.
Friends who wish to share condolences and/or memories may do so by visiting www.deatonclemensvangilderfh.com