John Oliver’s show bought nearly $15 million in medical debt for $60,000 in 2016; instead of collecting it from around 9,000 people, it worked with a charity to wipe their outstanding bills

John Oliver’s show bought nearly $15 million in medical debt for $60,000 in 2016; instead of collecting it from around 9,000 people, it worked with a charity to wipe their outstanding bills

In June 2016, John Oliver's show made headlines by acquiring nearly $15 million of unpaid medical debt for only $60,000. This debt was funneled through a newly established company aimed at giving it away. Rather than pursuing payments, the debt was assigned to a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating medical debt, drawing attention to critical flaws in the American healthcare system.