![]() The CFPB has already issued a bulletin to prevent unlawful medical debt collection and reporting. Separately, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will investigate credit reporting companies and debt collectors that violate patients’ and families’ rights, and hold violators accountable. HHS will request data from more than 2,000 providers on medical bill collection practices, lawsuits against patients, financial assistance, financial product offerings, and 3 rd party contracting or debt buying practices. The Department will, for the first time, weigh this information in their grantmaking decisions, publish topline data and policy recommendations for the public, and share potential violations with the relevant enforcement agencies of jurisdiction. Today, Secretary Becerra is directing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate how providers’ billing practices impact access and affordability of care and the accrual of medical debt. Providers receiving that funding should make it easy for eligible patients to receive the financial assistance they are entitled to, and should not directly or indirectly subject patients to illegal and harassing debt collection practices. The federal government pays roughly $1.5 trillion a year into the health care system to provide patients with quality care and services. ![]() And when hospitals sell outstanding bills to third party debt collectors, patients can be subjected to persistent and aggressive collections practices. Worse, lawsuits against patients over medical bills are on the rise. While many do, far too many eligible patients report not receiving help. When families cannot afford to pay the cost of care-often because they are uninsured or underinsured- providers have a responsibility to offer non-predatory payment plans or financial assistance to all eligible patients. Holding Providers and Collectors Accountable Today, Vice President Harris is announcing reforms in four areas that will lessen the burden of medical debt, protect consumers, and open up new opportunities for Americans looking to buy a home or start a small business. These actions build upon the President’s April 5 th Executive Order on strengthening access to affordable, quality health care coverage, which directed federal agencies to take action to reduce the burden of medical debt. That is why the Administration is taking new action to ease the burden of medical debt and protect consumers from predatory collection policies. ![]() Getting sick or taking care of loved ones should not mean financial hardship for American families. One study found that almost half of individuals with medical debt intentionally avoided seeking care. Medical debt is not just a financial issue-it can have negative health effects too. Black and Hispanic households are more likely to hold medical debt than white households. It is now the largest source of debt in collections-more than credit cards, utilities, and auto loans combined. One-in-three adults in the United States have medical debt. Help over half a million of low-income American veterans get their medical debt forgiven and,.Reduce the role that medical debt plays in determining whether Americans can access credit – which will open up new opportunities for people with medical debt to buy a home or get a small business loan.Hold medical providers and debt collectors accountable for harmful practices. ![]() Today, as part of the fight to help Americans deal with high costs, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new actions to protect consumers and lessen the burden of medical debt on American families. Vice President Kamala Harris to announce reforms across four areas to ease the burden of medical debt, giving more American families the opportunity to thrive Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””.The White House Show submenu for “The White House””.Office of the United States Trade Representative.Office of Science and Technology Policy.Executive Offices Show submenu for “Executive Offices””.Administration Show submenu for “Administration””.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |