Nearly 700,000 Michiganders carry medical debt — a particularly heavy burden for low- and moderate-income families.

One out of three adults in the United States are grappling with some form of health care debt.

People with medical debt report having to forgo buying food, clothing, and other household items, as well as spending down their savings to pay for medical bills.

“Medical debt is trapping too many Michiganders in a cycle of stress and instability. This package is about putting people first… These bills are a smart, bipartisan, bicameral step toward fairness, dignity, and economic security.”

— Sen. Sarah Anthony

Legislation Breakdown 

  • Prevents medical debt from being included in consumer credit reports, protecting residents from long-term financial harm due to health-related costs. 

  • Requires hospitals to provide some form of financial assistance policyand clearly communicate these resources in plain language — including how to apply and who to contact for assistance.

  • Caps interest and late fees on medical debt at 3% annually following a 90-day grace period. 

  • Prohibits aggressive medical debt collection practices, such as placing a lien or foreclosing on personal property, or garnishing wages.  
    Read More About this Legislation

    Become a Citizen Co-Sponsor

      Join the fight to combat medical debt by becoming a citizen co-sponsor of this legislation! Your voice is vital in moving this forward into law. Please sign below to become a citizen co-sponsor. You can also let us know if you have a personal story related to medical debt that you would be willing to share with us. 

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