Print Robert Lang, WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5
In Annapolis Tuesday, the House Health and Government Operations Committee heard testimony on a bill that would limit hospital lawsuits against patients for unpaid bills.
The Medical Debt Protection Act would bar hospitals from suing patients for debts of $1,000 or less.
It would also create an income-based repayment plan before a lawsuit can be filed, and it would stop doctors or hospitals from placing a lien on a patient s property to settle a debt.
Marceline White, executive director of the Maryland Consumer Rights Commission, told WBAL News Now Extra that these lawsuits often target communities of color and medical debt is increasing during the pandemic,