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H 419

An Act alleviating the burden of medical debt for patients and families

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 8 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill seeks to reduce medical debt burden on patients and families through legislative relief mechanisms, advancing to committee hearing in September 2025.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4809
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Bill Summary · H 419

Legislative bill overview

H 419 aims to reduce the financial burden of medical debt on Massachusetts patients and families, though the specific mechanisms are not detailed in the provided information. The bill has progressed through initial legislative steps and is scheduled for a committee hearing in September 2025. The measure has bipartisan sponsorship and has advanced to the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.

Why is this important

Medical debt is a leading cause of personal bankruptcy and financial hardship in the United States, affecting millions of families. For Massachusetts residents, addressing medical debt could improve financial stability, credit scores, and overall economic security while potentially reducing the long-term social costs associated with debt-related hardships.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and funding source — Unclear how the state would finance debt relief or whether costs would be borne by hospitals, insurers, taxpayers, or through other mechanisms
  • Scope and eligibility — Ambiguity about which patients qualify, what types of medical debt are covered, and whether this applies to existing or future debt
  • Impact on healthcare providers and payers — Healthcare systems and insurers may resist measures they perceive as reducing revenue or shifting financial responsibility without corresponding rate adjustments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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