INDIANAPOLIS – Senate Bill (SB) 317, authored by Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis), was heard today in the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee. The bill aims to provide relief for Hoosiers burdened by medical debt. 

Under current law, medical debt can appear on credit reports and lead to wage garnishments or property liens, further exacerbating financial hardship. SB 317 seeks to address these issues and provide protections for Indiana residents struggling with medical expenses. 

“Medical debt should not be a life sentence that follows an individual everywhere in life,” Qaddoura said. “With health care costs at an all-time high, medical debt is often associated with getting routine or life-saving care.” 

The need for medical debt reform is underscored by national data. According to the Poverty Action Institute, a 2022 report found that 46.7% of respondents reported having medical debt. Many Americans face lasting financial consequences due to unexpected medical costs, further deepening economic instability for working families. 

Qaddoura’s bill would implement measures to reduce the impact of medical debt on credit ratings and limit aggressive collection practices that place additional financial strain on Hoosiers. 

“It is my commitment to work in a bipartisan manner, alongside my co-authors, to ensure that Hoosiers receive the relief they so desperately need,” said Qaddoura. “It is time for the Indiana General Assembly to give Hoosiers all of the tools necessary to lead healthy and financially secure lives.”