As part of the fight to help people contend with high costs, Vice President Kamala Harris plans to announce reforms to help ease the burden of medical debt. By Stacy M. Brown, The Washington Informer One-in-three adults in the United States are saddled with medical debt, which now counts as the largest source of debt […]
The post VP Kamala Harris to Announce Reforms to Ease the Burden of Medical Debt Sherri Kolade April 15, 2022 As part of the fight to help people contend with high costs, Vice President Kamala Harris plans to announce reforms to help ease the burden of medical debt. By Stacy M. Brown, The Washington Informer One-in-three adults in the United States are saddled with medical debt, which now counts as the largest source of debt in collections – more than credit cards, utilities, and auto loans combined. According to a White House fact sheet, Black and Hispanic households are more likely to hold medical debt than white households. As part of the fight to help people contend with high costs, Vice President Kamala Harris plans to announce reforms to help ease the burden of medical debt. The White House said this should help provide more families the opportunities to thrive. “Together, these actions will help hold medical providers and debt collectors accountable for harmful practices, reduce the role that medical debt plays in determining whether Americans can access credit – which will open up new opportunities for people with medical debt to buy a home or get a small business loan, help over half a million of low-income American veterans get their medical debt forgiven; and, inform consumers of their rights,” the administration said in a release. The White House said medical debt isn’t just a financial issue – it can have negative health effects. One study found that almost half of individuals with medical debt intentionally avoided seeking care. “Getting sick or taking care of loved ones should not mean financial hardship for American families,” administration officials stated. “That is why the Administration is taking new action to ease the burden of medical debt and protect consumers from predatory collection policies.” The White House said the planned actions build upon President Joe Biden’s April 5th Executive Order on strengthening access to affordable, quality health care coverage, which directed federal agencies to take action to reduce the burden of medical debt. “[On April 11], Vice President Harris is announcing reforms in four areas that will lessen the burden of medical debt, protect consumers, and open up new opportunities for Americans looking to buy a home or start a small business,” the White House stated. The actions include holding providers and collectors accountable. “Providers have a responsibility to offer non-predatory payment plans or financial assistance to all eligible patients,” the White House noted. “While many do, far too many eligible patients report not receiving help. Worse, lawsuits against patients over medical bills are on the rise. And when ho
