Rep. Tim Twardzik, a Republican from Schuylkill, has joined forces with other Pennsylvania lawmakers to introduce a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing medical debt for low-income residents in the state. The proposed legislation, known as the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program, seeks to alleviate financial burdens on individuals and healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas.
The program is designed to target medical debt relief for those most in need while also enhancing the financial stability of healthcare institutions that often face unpaid debts. Additionally, it aims to increase transparency in hospital charity care programs and assist individuals in applying for such care to prevent new debts from accumulating.
"Investing in medical debt relief is a compassionate and practical approach to supporting individuals while fostering a healthier, more resilient society," stated Twardzik. He emphasized that healthcare providers would benefit by having more resources available for patient care rather than focusing on bill collection.
Democratic Representative Arvind Venkat of Allegheny expressed hope that the bill would offer significant relief: "Medical debt has been dubbed a 'uniquely American problem,' so it's my hope that our bill will help provide relief to as many Pennsylvanians as possible."
Nate Davidson, another Democratic representative from Dauphin/Cumberland, highlighted the broader impact of the legislation: "This legislation is more than just a policy – it's a lifeline that restores dignity, empowers families, and ensures that health does not come at the cost of hardship."
Tarik Khan from Philadelphia noted his experience as a nurse witnessing patients avoid necessary care due to costs: "Our bill will help thousands of families in the Commonwealth get the medical debt relief they need."
Bridget M. Kosierowski shared her personal perspective as a parent dealing with high medical costs during her son's illness: "No family in Pennsylvania should ever need to think twice before seeking care for chronic or other serious conditions for fear of going into medical debt."
Republican Andrew Kuzma commended Venkat's efforts: "I find Representative Venkat’s proposal intriguing, and I commend him for his efforts in being on the forefront to address this issue."
Jim Rigby from Cambria/Somerset reiterated his support by cosponsoring the bill this session: "The burden that debt from medical bills can place on our most vulnerable citizens is not exclusive to Republicans or Democrats."
In Pittsburgh, an initiative similar to this proposed program resulted in $115 million of healthcare debt being discharged for 24,000 residents after the city council invested $1 million.
The bill previously passed with bipartisan support in the state House and was included by Governor Josh Shapiro in his fiscal year 2024-2025 budget plan.
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