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Bill

LD 902

An Act To Establish The Medical Debt Relief Program

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe Baldacci

Failed Maine bill proposing state medical debt relief program; received unfavorable committee recommendation and died in legislature in April 2025.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#debtcollection #financialpractices #medicaldebt
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Bill Summary · LD 902

Legislative bill overview

LD 902 would have established a Medical Debt Relief Program in Maine to help residents manage or eliminate medical debt burdens. The bill was introduced by Governor Joe Baldacci but failed to advance, receiving an "Ought Not to Pass" (ONTP) recommendation from committee and ultimately being placed in legislative files as dead on April 8, 2025.

Why is this important

Medical debt is a significant financial stressor for many Americans and Maine residents, often leading to bankruptcy, damaged credit, and delayed care. A state-level relief program could have addressed this public health and economic issue by providing direct assistance or debt forgiveness mechanisms to eligible individuals.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: How the program would be financed (state budget, tax increases, or other sources) and the fiscal impact on Maine's budget
  • Eligibility criteria: Defining who qualifies for relief (income thresholds, debt amount limits, types of medical debt covered) and potential fairness concerns
  • Implementation complexity: Administrative burden of establishing and managing a debt relief program, determining which debts qualify, and coordinating with creditors

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

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