INDIANAPOLIS— The Indiana General Assembly has finalized its summer study committee topics for the interim. Among the selected topics is a study on medical debt, a critical issue championed by State Senator Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis). Senator Qaddoura released the following statement:

“Medical debt impacts an estimated 40 to 50 percent of adults in Indiana, with approximately $2.2 billion currently in collections,” said Qaddoura. “Addressing this crisis is essential to giving Hoosiers a fair shot at financial stability. Medical debt doesn’t just affect credit scores, it follows individuals into every aspect of their lives, limiting access to housing, job opportunities and economic mobility.”

“We must stop penalizing people for getting sick,” said Qaddoura. “Medical debt is often unavoidable and disproportionately affects those already struggling. Our goal should be to create a path forward that lifts people up, not holds them back.”

Senator Qaddoura originally introduced Senate Bill 317 to address medical debt during the 2025 legislative session. Unfortunately, it was narrowly defeated in the Senate by a vote of 26 to 23, but he continued to advocate for further examination of the issue.

“I’m proud to have proposed this study committee to continue the conversation,” Qaddoura added. “I look forward to working with my colleagues, stakeholders and experts to explore meaningful solutions that can protect the health and financial well-being of Hoosiers, especially our most vulnerable.”

This study committee represents a meaningful opportunity to develop bipartisan, evidence-based recommendations that can improve the lives of countless families across Indiana. Senator Qaddoura remains committed to advocating for policies that address the root causes of financial hardship and promote a healthier, more equitable future for all Hoosiers.

You can see a copy of Senator Qaddoura’s letter requesting a summer study committee here.