By Bob Katzen

A proposed regulation filed by Gov. Healey and the Department of Public Health (DPH) would prohibit licensed health care providers and debt collectors working on their behalf from reporting medical debt to credit bureaus. Supporters said this will help protect patients from long-term financial harm after an unexpected illness or medical emergency.

“Getting sick is hard enough.” said Healey. “It shouldn’t ruin your credit. No one should have to worry that seeing a doctor, filling a prescription or taking their child to the emergency room will damage their financial future. Medical debt shouldn’t make it harder to buy a home, rent an apartment or get a loan years after you’ve recovered and when you’re working hard to make your payments. This action will help protect patients while we continue our work to lower health care costs and ensure all Massachusetts residents can afford to get the care they need when they need it.”

“Today’s action by the governor is a much needed first step in preventing disastrous debt spirals,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah. “Families in Massachusetts should be able to access the health care they need free from the worry that their credit could be ruined – potentially impacting their housing and other finances. Regardless of the federal government’s approach, in Massachusetts we’re committed to building a more affordable, more sustainable health care system that puts consumers first.”

The Department is now accepting written public comments on the proposed regulations and will hold public hearings on July 27 and 28 before finalizing the rules. After these hearings, the Department will evaluate all comments received and finalize the proposed regulation.

For more information or to sign up to testify remotely and/or with written testimony, go to: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/medical-debt-reporting-requirements-for-health-care-facilities-and-providers-licensed-by-the-department-of-public-health