Last week, Governor Glenn Youngkin approved legislation to reduce the burden of medical debt on Virginians.
The proposal, which was championed by Delegate Karrie Delaney in the Legislature (House Bill 1725), will limit the burden of medical debt by ensuring that interest rates on medical debt are limited to 3% a year, wage garnishment is prohibited for all patients who quality for financial assistance programs and patients’ core financial assets, like their home, are safeguarded.
Since its introduction in the House, patient advocates and public health organizations, like the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), have rallied around HB 1725, citing the prevalence of medical debt among millions of Virginians, many of whom are insured. Recent survey data found that more than half (55%) of Virginians have experienced a healthcare affordability burden in the past year and more than three-quarters (78%) are worried about affording health care in the future.
“With his approval of House Bill 1725, Governor Youngkin will help reduce the negative consequences of medical debt, which has the power to promote healthier families, protect the financial future and mobility of younger Virginians and enable a stronger Commonwealth,” said John Hoctor, Interim Government Relations Director for ACS CAN in Virginia. “ACS CAN is grateful to the governor and state lawmakers, especially Delegate Delaney, for taking this critical step to disentangle Virginians’ physical health from their financial health.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
