WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 371

An Act providing for medical debt collection protection; and imposing duties on the Attorney General and the Department of Health.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Maria Collett and 11 co-sponsors

SB 371 restricts Pennsylvania medical debt collection practices and requires the Attorney General and Department of Health to enforce consumer protections against aggressive collection tactics.

Referred to Health & Human Services
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 371

Legislative bill overview

SB 371 establishes protections for consumers facing medical debt collection in Pennsylvania. The bill imposes specific duties on the Attorney General and Department of Health to regulate how medical debts are collected and reported, likely including restrictions on aggressive collection practices and credit reporting of medical debts.

Why is this important

Medical debt is a leading cause of personal bankruptcy and financial hardship in the United States, often resulting from unexpected health emergencies rather than frivolous spending. Pennsylvania residents currently have limited protections against aggressive medical debt collection practices, making this legislation relevant to consumer financial security and healthcare access.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry opposition: Hospitals, healthcare systems, and debt collectors may argue that restrictions on collection practices could reduce their ability to recover legitimate debts and increase healthcare costs
  • Credit reporting implications: Restrictions on medical debt appearing in credit reports could affect lending decisions and credit scoring accuracy, with disagreement over whether this helps or harms consumers
  • Implementation costs: The bill assigns new duties to the Attorney General and Department of Health, raising questions about resource requirements and enforcement capacity versus other agency priorities

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

Sign in to ask a question.