Establishes a grant program to eliminate eligible medical debt owed by U.S. residents to hospitals.
Hospitals must apply for grants and agree to report on fund usage.
Priority for grants given to safety net hospitals and those agreeing to cancel certain types of medical debt.
Grants aim to supplement, not replace, existing financial assistance.
Program will expand to include other healthcare providers and individuals after two years.
Federal health care programs instructed to eliminate medical debt collections within a year.
Secretary to consult with various stakeholders in implementing the program.
Annual progress reports required on the program’s implementation and impact.
Defines eligible medical debt and sets a sunset for the program once all eligible medical debt is canceled.
Introduces requirements for medical billing practices and debt collection, including providing information on financial assistance and limitations on debt amounts.
Establishes a medical payment assistance resource list to be updated annually.
Prohibits the collection of medical debt incurred before the enactment of the legislation.
Allows consumers harmed by violations to sue for damages, including emotional harm and attorney’s fees.
Prohibits reporting of medical debt on consumer credit reports.
Credit reporting agencies must notify consumers when medical debt information is removed from reports.
Sets effective dates for the various sections of the legislation.
