(Raleigh, N.C.) – North Carolina’s hospital systems have sued thousands of patients over medical debt, according to a new report. Nonprofit hospitals topped the list for placing liens on patients’ homes, and targeting not just patients but also spouses and family members, in attempts to collect on what many called ‘surprise bills.’ Researchers found that the court system often ruled against patients allowing hospitals to charge significant interest on medical debt, causing some patients not to seek medical care out of fear, while cancer patients said the financial stress hurt their physical recovery. These reports find that nonprofit hospitals at the ready to sue contribute to an intergenerational cycle of poverty.
MEANWHILE…
North Carolina’s Treasurer is calling on the North Carolina House of Representatives to protect patients and their families by passing Senate Bill 321, the Medical Debt De-Weaponization Act. The Senate unanimously passed the bill despite opposition from hospital lobbyists.
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