medical debt

Politics & Government

Central Ohio hospitals to forgive $335 million in medical debt for thousands of Columbus residents

George Shillcock

Columbus City Council will vote on a contract with the Central Ohio Hospital Council to pay for the costs.

In this Dec. 20, 2011 file photo, medical bills and other records are spread out on the kitchen table of a patient in Salem, Va.

Politics & Government

Columbus City Council to vote on contract aimed at erasing medical debt for qualified residents

Matthew Rand

The plan would have Columbus use $2 million American Rescue Plan dollars to partner with RIP Medical Debt. The non-profit uses donated funds to buy bundled debt from hospitals at a fraction of the original cost.

Until very recently, the separate company that runs the emergency department at Nashville General Hospital was continuing to haul patients who couldn't pay medical bills into court.

News Partners

It's Not Just Hospitals That Are Quick To Sue Patients Who Can't Pay

Blake Farmer

The firm that staffed the emergency room with doctors at Nashville General Hospital was taking more patients to court for unpaid medical bills than any other hospital or practice in the city.

Medical debt is the most common reason for collection calls, a federal study found.

NPR News

Medical Debt Is Top Reason Consumers Hear From Collection Agencies

Michelle Andrews

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that 59 percent of people contacted by a debt collector had outstanding medical bills. Telecommunications and utility bills trailed far behind.