Debt Reform
Comment to CFPB on Medical Debt Credit Reporting
In June of 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a proposed ruling on the elimination of medical debt from certain credit reporting. Our comment letter urges the CFPB to adopt this proposed ruling with two additions: to include debt incurred on medical credit cards, and for the ban on reporting to be expanded to include credit reports used for tenant and employment screening. Click here for the full letter.
Medical Debt Protections Maryland
Medical Debt Protections Maryland This guide is designed to walk you through different options and rights you have to receive affordable hospital health care at different stages in the process which are specific to Maryland. Click Here to View Our 2024 Guide To Medical Debt HB268 Fact Sheet - Putting Patients Over Profits HB428/SB349 - Protecting Patients From Medical Debt Home Liens Paying for Hospital Care - Financial Assistance You may be eligible for free or reduced-cost care. By law, Maryland’s nonprofit hospitals must offer free and low-cost care ...
Staff & Board
Meet Our Staff The Economic Action staff is a team of passionate advocates, committed to securing economic rights and equity for all. We work together to meet the needs of our Maryland communities through our diverse perspectives and skill-sets. We take great pride in providing immediate services to our Maryland community members in need while simultaneously fighting for systemic change policies that heal the system for good. Marceline White Jennifer Bevan-Dangel Francine Mitchell Carol Ott Jamila Blake LaToya McKay Meet ...
Medical Debt
Medical Debt Medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcies in the United States. In 2020, 15% of Maryland residents reported having medical debt. Medical debt can happen to anyone - to people with and without insurance, to low and high-income people, across racial and gender lines. However, while medical debt can happen to anyone, it disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. Our Medical Debt program provides direct assistance and education to Marylanders struggling with hospital debt through our Medical Debt Freedom Fund and a medical debt Know Your Rights guide. Click here to view ...
Debt Reform
Debt Reform Consumer debt in the United States is approaching a record-breaking $16 trillion, and is in need of reform. Mortgages, student loans, auto loans, and credit cards were the main areas where Americans fell into debt. Medical debt, which is growing faster than income, is another leading cause of debt. To advance a just economy for all, Economic Action Maryland Fund advocates to end predatory and deceptive loan products, and leads statewide efforts to reform local and state debt collection policies that criminalize poverty and deepen the racial wealth gap. GET HELP ...
Our Work
What We Do Economic Action Maryland Fund strives to empower vulnerable Marylanders and ensure there are strong safeguards in place to help them build and maintain assets throughout their financial lives. We fight for families to have MORE: more protections from debt collectors and predatory lenders, more information and advice to avert deceptive tricks and traps, more housing and financial security and a more just economy. Economic Action provides direct assistance today and passes policies to change the system in the future. Our direct service programs support Maryland households struggling with housing, economic ...
How To Get Rid Of Medical Debt — Or Avoid It In The First Place
Medical billing and health insurance systems in the U.S. are complex, and many patients have difficulty navigating them. Economic Action Maryland Fund's Executive Director, Marceline White, is quoted on NPR sharing her insights on how to avoid and manage medical debt. Listen to the broadcast here.