The Biden administration laid out a four-point plan to reduce America’s medical debt Monday, including having the HHS dig into how providers’ billing practices impact care access and affordability, Helathcare Dive reports.
Under the plan announced by Vice President Kamala Harris, the HHS will request data from 2,000 providers on their bill collection practices, lawsuits against patients, financial assistance offerings, debt buying practices and more. The HHS will use this information in grant determinations, and to shape data and policy recommendations to the public. The department will also share potential violations with enforcement agencies.
The White House is also guiding federal agencies to stop using medical debt as an underwriting factor in credit programs where possible. Read more.
