The city has opened two financial empowerment centers in Flatbush and East New York, where working class New Yorkers can get free help in dealing with medical debt, student loans, opening a bank account and more.

The city has opened eight financial empowerment locations in public hospitals across the boroughs to help New Yorkers better plan and avoid going into medical debt in the future. 

In January, Mayor Eric Adams said thousands of working class New Yorkers would start seeing their medical debts wiped out under the Medical Debt Relief program that was launched in 2024. So far, $135 million in medical debt for over 75,000 people have been erased, Adams said on Wednesday.

“For too long, and for too many, medical debt has not only been a barrier for those looking to get the health care they need, but also a major financial and emotional stressor for families through no fault of their own,” Adams said in a statement. “Working-class New Yorkers shouldn’t have to live in fear that getting sick will break their bank.”

There are two financial empowerment locations in Brooklyn, where residents can ask for free financial advice including dealing with student or medical debt, improving your financial credit, and opening up a bank account. 

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, East New York

2094 Pitkin Ave, 2nd Floor, Room 202

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00am  – 5:00pm 

NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County

451 Clarkson Avenue, E Building, Main Lobby

Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00am  – 5:00pm 

“Erasing medical debt isn’t just a gesture of compassion — it’s a necessity when so many New Yorkers are often forced to choose between their health and basic needs like food or housing,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “We must create a more equitable and affordable system so that New Yorkers do not fear financial ruin after seeking necessary medical care. By relieving debt burden, we’re providing people with the freedom to prioritize their health while making our city stronger and more accessible for everyone.”