Maryland Medical Debt
2024 Legislative Session: HB832/SB839 and HB328 Bill Signing
On Thursday, May 16th, we celebrated as two of our priority bills from the 2024 Legislative Session were signed into law by Governor Moore. HB832/SB839, sponsored by Delegate Vaughn Stewart and Senator Charles Sydnor, allows nominal damages to be awarded for violations of consumer laws. HB328, sponsored by Delegate Lesley Lopez, prohibits Maryland hospitals from using geographic service area tests and non-monetary asset tests to deny income-eligible patients free or reduced cost care.
International Rights Group Calls Out U.S. for Allowing Hospitals to Push Millions Into Debt
Human Rights Watch, the nonprofit that for decades has called attention to the victims of war, famine, and political repression around the world, is taking aim at U.S. hospitals for pushing millions of American patients into debt. “Medical debt is drowning many low-income and working families while hospitals continue to benefit from nonprofit tax status as they pursue families for medical debt,” said Marceline White, executive director of Economic Action Maryland. Read the full article here.
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 ...
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 ...
What We Do
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.