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HR 5975

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 FOR THE PURCHASE, CANCELLATION AND FORGIVENESS OF MEDICAL DEBT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island proposes $1M state appropriation to purchase and forgive medical debt, with program structure and eligibility criteria still under committee review.

04/03/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 5975

Legislative bill overview

HR 5975 is a Rhode Island joint resolution appropriating $1,000,000 in state funds to purchase and forgive medical debt held by residents. The bill would allocate this one-time appropriation to eliminate medical debt obligations through a debt cancellation program, similar to models used in other states.

Why is this important

Medical debt is a leading cause of personal bankruptcy and financial hardship for American households, often affecting working families with insurance. This appropriation represents a direct state intervention to reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs on Rhode Island residents, potentially improving credit scores and financial stability for affected individuals.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal sustainability and precedent: A one-time $1M appropriation covers only a fraction of Rhode Island's medical debt burden; critics may argue this creates expectations for recurring funding or raises questions about whether this is the most efficient use of limited state resources
  • Targeting and fairness: The bill lacks specific eligibility criteria or targeting mechanisms detailed in the resolution, raising questions about who qualifies, how debt will be selected for forgiveness, and whether this benefits higher or lower-income individuals equitably
  • Root cause versus symptom: Opponents may argue the appropriation addresses symptoms of healthcare costs rather than underlying causes (pricing, insurance coverage gaps), and that resources might be better spent on healthcare access or affordability reforms

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

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