Verizon has committed $22 million to help eliminate medical debt for U.S. military veterans, as part of a sweeping campaign launched in 2024 and now expanding through 2026. The company is working in partnership with ForgiveCo to deliver debt relief checks and long-term financial support to veterans burdened by disproportionate health-related debt.
According to a report by The U.S. Sun, the initiative is part of a broader push to ease the financial pressures affecting thousands of former service members across the country. The program is being gradually deployed and only a limited set of details has been publicly disclosed so far.
Tackling a Debt Gap That Hits Veterans Harder
Research continues to show that medical debt is disproportionately higher among former service members compared to the general population. These are not just financial figures—they reflect systemic gaps that many veterans face when transitioning into civilian life.
That’s exactly what Verizon and ForgiveCo hope to address. Through this initiative, they have already erased $8.8 million in medical debt for over 6,000 veterans in the Great Lakes region. That translates into relief checks of more than $800 on average per eligible citizen, offering both immediate breathing room and emotional reprieve.
And it’s not just the numbers. Verizon’s President for the Great Lakes region, Andy Brady, emphasized the personal impact of the program:
When a veteran sees $3,000 in medical debt disappear because of our work with the support of their favorite team—that’s not just relief, it’s restoration.
These aren’t numbers on a ledger.
They’re our neighbors, our colleagues, our community.
And they deserve more than gratitude—they deserve action.
Expanding Through Sports and Community Partnerships
To bring visibility to the cause, Verizon has partnered with major sports organizations including the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Blues, and Team Penske.
More recently, a strategic alliance was formed with the Columbus Crew. Verizon committed an initial $500,000 in debt relief, adding an incentive of $100,000 per win or draw through the rest of the 2025 season, capped at an additional $500,000.
This sports-driven approach is meant to strengthen the cultural connection to the program and help communities better understand the scale of the issue.
Erik Antico, President of ForgiveCo, explained:
Verizon’s $22 million commitment sends a powerful message to our veterans: that their service, sacrifice, and legacy will always be honored.
When companies lead with purpose and connect that purpose to the cultural and community impact of sports, the results are both transformative and lasting.
No Applications, Just Direct Relief
One of the more striking features of the program is its automated outreach. Veterans who qualify won’t need to apply or register—they’ll be contacted directly by ForgiveCo. That streamlined process reflects an intention to remove bureaucratic barriers and make the support as accessible as possible.
So far, the relief checks have offered a meaningful safety net for veterans struggling with medical debt, and the program is structured to continue expanding into 2026.
Part of a Broader Commitment to the Military Community
Verizon’s military engagement goes beyond this campaign. The company has been recognized as a Military Friendly employer for seven consecutive years, and employs thousands of veterans nationwide.
It also collaborates with the Department of Veterans Affairs, delivering critical communications infrastructure to VA medical centers, and supports small businesses owned by veterans through targeted resources and programs.
In addition, Verizon provides ongoing discounts on mobile and home internet services for both veterans and active-duty personnel—something that could be overlooked but adds up over time for families on a tight budget.
