Legislation grows on state investments to provide relief for people struggling with the high costs of health care
LANSING, Mich. (June 26, 2025) — Continuing her fight for Michiganders burdened by medical debt, Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) is teaming up with Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater) to introduce new, bipartisan legislation that would establish clear guidelines for hospitals to offer financial assistance programs and strengthen consumer protections for patients struggling with medical expenses.
“Medical debt is trapping too many Michiganders in a cycle of stress and instability,” said Sen. Anthony. “This package is about putting people first—by making hospital financial assistance clear and consistent, and by keeping medical bills off your credit report. Nearly 700,000 residents are carrying medical debt, and with federal protections under threat, we can’t afford to wait. These bills are a smart, bipartisan, bicameral step toward fairness, dignity, and economic security.”
Under current federal guidelines, non-profit hospitals are required to provide some form of financial assistance policy. Senate Bills 449 (Anthony) and 450 (Lindsey) seek to codify and expand these requirements in state law, standardize the charity care provided, and establish clear, consistent metrics for eligibility to ensure support is available to those who need it most. Additionally, Senate Bill 451 (Anthony) would prevent medical debt from being included in consumer credit reports, protecting residents from long-term financial harm due to health-related costs.
“By codifying consistent charity care guidelines in state law, we provide clarity for patients and predictability for hospitals — all while ensuring help reaches those who truly need it,” said Sen. Lindsey. “This is a measured, balanced approach that sets standards without creating overbearing mandates.”
In addition to implementing financial assistance programs, the proposed bills would require hospitals to clearly communicate these resources in plain language — including how to apply and who to contact for help. These measures aim to remove barriers that often prevent patients from accessing resources.
“If an individual experiences an unexpected medical crisis, the last thing they should be worried about is being buried in mountains of debt,” said Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), who introduced similar legislation in the House. “Families across the state are already struggling with health care affordability, especially as we see more cuts to Medicaid being threatened at the federal level. This is an issue that needs to be addressed, and I am very pleased that Sen. Anthony is championing this legislation in the Senate.”
This legislation builds on Sen. Anthony’s successful push to include $4.5 million in the 2024 state budget for medical debt relief. Through partnerships and local matching funds, this investment is projected to erase an estimated $450 million in medical debt for more than 180,000 Michiganders. Sen. Anthony is actively fighting for another round of debt forgiveness this year, with another proposed $5 million in the 2026 State Budget.
“Medical debt shouldn’t be a life sentence, especially for working families doing their best to stay healthy and make ends meet,” said Wayne County Executive Warren Evans. “Wayne County has led the way on this issue, partnering with Undue Medical Debt to relieve $42 million of burdensome medical expenses for more than 70,000 residents so far. I support legislation that brings fairness, transparency, and consistency to medical care standards across Michigan. These proposed bills are a critical step toward protecting people from the crushing weight of medical bills and giving them a fair shot at financial recovery.”
“As an emergency physician, I see patients dealing with life-changing medical emergencies every single shift,” said Dr. Rob Davidson, Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Health Care. “The high cost of their trip to the emergency department can follow them for years, impacting their ability to buy a house or start a family. Sen. Anthony’s legislation to tackle medical debt will help so many of my patients in rural West Michigan get back on their feet after a medical emergency.”
Medical debt has been a growing crisis in Lansing, in Michigan, and around the country, affecting one out of three U.S. adults and nearly 700,000 Michiganders, even those who have health insurance. Senate Bills 449-451 have been referred to the Senate Committee on Health Policy for further consideration.
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