Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal efforts to take on the nation's medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help people who can't afford their medical bills or pay down their debts.
KFF Health NewsDec 3 2024 Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal efforts to take on the nation's medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help people who can't afford their medical bills or pay down their debts.
But in the face of federal retrenchment, advocates are eyeing new initiatives in state legislatures to keep medical bills off people's credit reports, a consumer protection that can boost credit scores and make it easier to buy a car, rent an apartment, or even get a job. New York state has enacted several laws in recent years to rein in hospital debt collections and to expand financial aid for patients, often with support from both Democrats and Republicans in the legislature. "It doesn't matter the party. No one likes medical debt," Benjamin said.
The White House also championed legislation to boost access to government-subsidized health insurance and to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, both key bulwarks against medical debt. "There are a lot of different levers that states have to take on medical debt," said April Kuehnhoff, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, which has helped lead national efforts to expand debt protections for patients.
Consumer advocates say states are also likely to continue expanding efforts to get hospitals to provide more financial assistance to reduce or eliminate bills for low- and middle-income patients, a key protection that can keep people from slipping into debt.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Andy Burnham says he is worried about Donald Trump becoming president again'You have to stick to what you believe to be right and that's where I think people in Greater Manchester would want me to be'
Read more »
Trump wins latest: President-elect makes first major appointment; three states move to 'Trump-proof' lawsDonald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, as his White House chief of staff in his first big appointment as president-elect. Meanwhile, three states, including America's most populous, are making moves to protect liberal policies from the next administration.
Read more »
Trump wins latest: Trump makes first major appointment; three states move to 'Trump-proof' lawsVladimir Putin has described Donald Trump as a 'bullied' and 'brave man' after his monumental political comeback. Meanwhile, three states, including America's most populous, are making moves to protect liberal policies from the next administration.
Read more »
Harris says 'my heart is full' after conceding election to TrumpVice President Kamala Harris called ex-President Donald Trump to concede hours before addressing the nation.
Read more »
Should we be worried about a Donald Trump presidency?Those who regard America, for all its faults, as a positive influence in the world, an example to follow, will be most worried and disheartened.
Read more »
Elon Musk is the Team Trump member Starmer should be most worried aboutThe X boss has been going after the PM and could pour petrol on an unpredictable situation with Trump
Read more »