From Valleynewslive · · 1m
New federal bill aims to ban wage garnishment for medical debt
Federal bill targets medical debt wage garnishment
In brief
Federal bill targets medical debt wage garnishment New bill would stop courts from taking paychecks for unpaid medical bills Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Medical debt hits families
Emergency room visits can leave families facing thousands in medical bills that follow them to their paycheck.
New federal proposal
The Protecting Workers’ Wages from Medical Debt Act aims to ban courts from garnishing paychecks for unpaid hospital and doctor bills.
Local financial struggles
Huntsville residents face debt after car crashes and cancer treatments, with some losing state tax refunds.
Patients can’t afford bills
Medical billing specialist Brittany Andrade says patients often can’t afford to pay medical bills despite not refusing.
Skipping care risks worse outcomes
Fear of debt leads patients to skip doctor visits, ending up in emergency rooms with more severe conditions.
Realistic repayment plans
Andrade pushes for repayment plans and addressing insurance-provider gaps instead of wage garnishment.
The bottom line
New bill would stop courts from taking paychecks for unpaid medical bills
