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Strengthening Consumer Protections and Medical Debt Transparency Act

1/12/2024, 11:00 PM

Summary of Bill S 2483

Bill 118 s 2483, also known as the Strengthening Consumer Protections and Medical Debt Transparency Act, aims to address issues related to medical debt and consumer protections. The bill was introduced in the US Congress with the goal of providing greater transparency and fairness in the healthcare system.

One key aspect of the bill is the requirement for healthcare providers to provide patients with clear and understandable explanations of their medical bills. This is intended to help patients better understand the charges they are being billed for and to prevent any confusion or disputes over medical expenses.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect consumers from aggressive debt collection practices related to medical debt. It prohibits certain actions by debt collectors, such as harassing or misleading consumers, and requires them to provide accurate information about the debt they are attempting to collect. Furthermore, the bill aims to improve the reporting and handling of medical debt by credit reporting agencies. It requires these agencies to remove medical debt from a consumer's credit report within 45 days of the debt being paid off or settled, in order to prevent negative impacts on the consumer's credit score. Overall, the Strengthening Consumer Protections and Medical Debt Transparency Act seeks to enhance consumer protections in the healthcare system and promote greater transparency in medical billing and debt collection practices. It is intended to help alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses on individuals and ensure fair treatment for consumers dealing with medical debt.

Congressional Summary of S 2483

Strengthening Consumer Protections and Medical Debt Transparency Act

This bill establishes a series of requirements relating to the collection of medical debt. Among other provisions, the bill restricts the circumstances under which health care entities may initiate extraordinary collection actions, requires entities to provide detailed debt statements and payment receipts to patients, and establishes a public medical debt collection database with information about medical debt collectors.

Current Status of Bill S 2483

Bill S 2483 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 25, 2023. Bill S 2483 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on July 25, 2023.  Bill S 2483's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of July 25, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2483

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2483

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2483

Strengthening Consumer Protections and Medical Debt Transparency Act
Strengthening Consumer Protections and Medical Debt Transparency Act
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide additional transparency and consumer protections relating to medical debt collection practices.

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