Prohibits credit reporting, executions, attachments against a principal residence for judgments based on medical debt. Defines medical debt as an amount for the receipt of health care services, products, or devices.
Impact
If enacted, S0169 would alter existing laws regarding consumer debts and protections significantly. The changes would mean that consumers cannot have their homes subjected to creditor actions solely due to medical debt obligations. This would likely reduce the financial strain and potential homelessness for individuals unable to pay for their healthcare expenses. Such an amendment could reshape the landscape of consumer debt management and the liabilities that accompany medical costs, promoting a more humane approach toward healthcare-related financial issues.
Summary
S0169 is a legislative proposal aimed at providing significant protections for consumers facing medical debt. The bill seeks to prohibit credit reporting agencies from including medical debt in consumer credit reports and prevents the execution of attachment against a consumer's primary residence for judgments based solely on medical debt. By defining 'medical debt' explicitly as amounts owed for healthcare services, products, or devices, the bill aims to encourage fairness and protect consumers who are often vulnerable to financial distress due to health-related expenses.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding S0169 appears to be largely favorable among consumer advocacy groups and organizations focused on health care equity. Supporters view the bill as a necessary step in addressing the inequalities faced by individuals struggling with medical expenses, which can lead to deeper financial and social issues. However, some critics argue that the bill may create unintended consequences by allowing individuals to avoid payment responsibilities for legitimately incurred debts, potentially impacting the financial health of medical service providers.
Contention
Notable points of contention revolve around the implications of exempting medical debt from credit reporting and garnishment actions. Opponents of the bill express concern that such measures could lead to decreased accountability for medical debts, thereby complicating the fiscal responsibilities of healthcare providers. They highlight the potential risks for hospitals and healthcare facilities that rely on timely payments for services rendered. Nevertheless, proponents argue that the measures are essential to shield vulnerable populations from the devastating consequences of medical bankruptcies, thus initiating a necessary dialogue on the ethics of medical billing and consumer debt.
Prohibits credit reporting, executions, attachments against a principal residence for judgments based on medical debt. Defines medical debt as an amount for the receipt of health care services, products, or devices.
Prohibits hospitals and other medical providers from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies. A violation of this chapter may be pursued on behalf of the consumer by the attorney general.
Establishes a medical debt relief program, to be administered by the general treasurer for the purchase, cancellation and forgiveness of medical debts, based upon certain conditions.
Prohibits hospitals and other medical providers from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies. A violation of this chapter may be pursued on behalf of the consumer by the attorney general.
Prohibits a health insurer from denying a claim for any medical bill based on sole reasoning that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim and prohibits a medical provider from refusing to submit medical for same reason.
Prohibits a health insurer from denying a claim for any medical bill based on sole reasoning that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim and prohibits a medical provider from refusing to submit medical for same reason.
Prohibits credit reporting, executions, attachments against a principal residence for judgments based on medical debt. Defines medical debt as an amount for the receipt of health care services, products, or devices.
Prohibits credit reporting, executions, attachments against a principal residence for judgments based on medical debt. Defines medical debt as an amount for the receipt of health care services, products, or devices.
Prohibits hospitals and other medical providers from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies. A violation of this chapter may be pursued on behalf of the consumer by the attorney general.