State Rep. Jean Schmidt | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Jean Schmidt | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Representative Jean Schmidt held a press conference in Columbus to discuss the Ohio Medical Debt Fairness Act. This new legislation, which Schmidt is sponsoring with State Representative Michele Grim, aims to provide relief from medical debt for Ohio residents.
House Bill 257 includes several key provisions. It proposes lowering the maximum interest rate on medical debt to 3% annually. This measure seeks to protect patients from excessive charges. Additionally, the bill would prohibit hospitals, medical providers, and third-party collectors from reporting medical debt to credit agencies. This is intended to ensure that patients can receive necessary care without compromising their financial stability.
The legislation also aims to prevent wage garnishment for medical debt collections. The goal is to protect families from falling into deeper financial difficulties due to medical expenses.
“This is a commonsense bill that will give Ohioans added safeguards so that they can continue to get well without fear of unexpected, excessive financial burden,” said Schmidt during the press conference. “This is not a partisan issue; this is a people issue.”
Currently, House Bill 257 awaits assignment to a House committee for further consideration.
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