Verizon has announced a major expansion of its commitment to reduce medical debt for U.S. veterans. Partnering with ForgiveCo, the company is pledging an additional $22 million to erase unpaid medical bills for thousands of veterans across the country.
ForgiveCo, a public benefit corporation, specializes in acquiring and canceling consumer debt through partnerships with corporations and nonprofits. The initiative — now extended through 2026 — aims to give veterans greater financial stability as they transition to civilian life.
Since launching in 2024, the Verizon–ForgiveCo partnership has already wiped out millions in medical debt, providing an average of $800 in relief per veteran.
Sports Partnerships to Boost Awareness and Relief
To expand the reach of this initiative, Verizon has teamed up with leading sports organizations including:
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Cleveland Browns
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Detroit Lions
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Green Bay Packers
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Indianapolis Colts
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Pittsburgh Steelers
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St. Louis Blues
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Team Penske
These collaborations aim to raise awareness and support local communities affected by medical debt. For instance, in the Great Lakes region alone, Verizon has erased nearly $9 million in unpaid healthcare bills for over 6,000 veterans.
The company also announced a new partnership with the Columbus Crew soccer team — starting with an initial $500,000 in medical debt relief, plus an additional $100,000 per win or draw during the 2025 season, up to another $500,000.
A Message of Honor and Support
“Verizon’s $22 million commitment sends a powerful message to our veterans: that their service, sacrifice, and legacy will always be honored,” said Erik Antico, President of ForgiveCo. “When companies lead with purpose and connect that purpose to the cultural and community impact of sports, the results are both transformative and lasting.”
Eligible veterans will be contacted directly by ForgiveCo — no application or enrollment is required.
Beyond Medical Debt: Verizon’s Broader Military Support
Verizon has been recognized as a Military Friendly® company for seven consecutive years and employs thousands of veterans nationwide. The company’s support for the military community goes far beyond debt relief — including:
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Providing secure communications for VA medical centers
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Offering discounts for veteran-owned small businesses
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Delivering exclusive mobile and home internet discounts for service members and veterans
Military & Veteran Cell Phone Discounts
If you’re a service member or veteran looking to lower your monthly phone bill, several major carriers — including Verizon — offer exclusive military discounts. Here’s what you should know:
1. Verizon Wireless Military Discounts
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Plans start at $25/line per month (with Auto Pay and paper-free billing).
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Fios 300 Mbps plans start at $30/month when bundled with mobile service.
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Up to 25% off on Verizon-branded accessories.
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Eligible: Active duty, Guard, Reserve, Retirees, Veterans, and Gold Star family members.
To apply, visit a Verizon store or apply online by submitting proof of service (e.g., DD Form 214, Veterans ID Card).
2. AT&T Military and Veteran Discounts
AT&T offers a 25% discount on its best unlimited plans for eligible members of the military community. Proof of eligibility is required, and the credit may take up to three billing cycles to appear.
Eligible members include active-duty, Guard, Reserve, retirees, veterans, and spouses of deceased service members.
3. T-Mobile Military and Veterans Discounts
T-Mobile offers $5 off per line per month on up to five lines, plus an additional $5 AutoPay discount. Eligible groups include active duty, Guard/Reserve, veterans, retirees, family members, and veteran-owned small businesses.
All plans include unlimited 5G data, T-Mobile Tuesdays perks, and streaming benefits like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Hulu.
4. U.S. Cellular Military Discounts
U.S. Cellular — now part of T-Mobile — provides a 15% discount for all active-duty and veteran customers on all plans. The discount typically appears within two billing cycles after verification.
🔗 Visit U.S. Cellular Military Discounts
The Bigger Picture: Fighting Medical Debt Among Veterans
For thousands of U.S. veterans, medical debt is a persistent barrier to financial stability. Many face unpaid healthcare bills due to gaps in coverage or the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian healthcare systems.
Programs like Verizon’s partnership with ForgiveCo play a vital role in restoring financial freedom, reducing stress, and honoring the service of those who have sacrificed for the country.
As corporations and communities continue to unite to combat medical debt, initiatives like these prove that financial relief can be both compassionate and transformative.
Key Takeaway:
Verizon’s expanded $22 million commitment reaffirms the company’s dedication to erasing veteran medical debt and empowering military families to rebuild financial stability and peace of mind.
