hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Sets hospital debt collection rules and funds medical debt relief.
Rep. Vasquez (D-NM) and 18 co-sponsors.
Introduced in the House, awaiting committee review.
This bill, introduced by Representative Gabe Vasquez, aims to protect patients from aggressive medical debt collection practices. It requires hospitals to offer financial assistance and abide by collection limits as a condition of Medicare participation. It also creates a grant program to help a nonprofit buy and forgive medical debts for eligible individuals. The bill has been referred to two committees for review.
Introduced Feb 10, 2026
H.R. 7478 was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 10, 2026. It has been referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means. For the bill to advance, these committees must review it, potentially amend it, and vote to send it to the full House for consideration.
If this bill becomes law, hospitals that accept Medicare would need to change how they handle medical bills and debt. They would have to offer clear financial assistance options and could not use aggressive tactics like placing liens on your home or garnishing your wages to collect medical debt. Also, if you have significant medical debt or a lower income, you might qualify for a program that could acquire and discharge your medical debt.
Supporters Say
Supporters say it protects vulnerable patients from predatory debt collection and provides a path to debt relief.
Critics Say
Critics may argue it places undue burdens on hospitals or that the debt relief program is insufficient.
Supporters would likely argue that this bill is essential to address the growing medical debt crisis in the U.S., ensuring hospitals uphold their non-profit missions by providing charity care and fair billing practices. They might highlight the financial strain medical debt places on families and the need for stronger consumer protections. Critics, potentially representing hospitals or debt collection industries, might contend that the new requirements are overly complex or costly for healthcare providers, possibly impacting their ability to deliver care.