One in four Americans — and one in five Ohioans — carried medical debt last year, and many of them had health insurance, according to a new study.

Now a bipartisan bill at the Ohio Statehouse would give patients some relief.

Ohio House Bill 257, the Ohio Medical Debt Fairness Act, was introduced in May 2025 and is co-sponsored by Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) and Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland). The bill would:

• Cap interest on medical debt at 3% per year
• Prohibit wage garnishment to collect medical debt
• Bar healthcare providers and debt collectors from reporting medical debt to credit agencies

The legislation has had several hearings in the Ohio House Health Committee, drawing support from groups including the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the American Diabetes Association.

“This is not a partisan issue; this is a people issue,” Rep. Schmidt said of the effort.

With the legislature on break until after the Nov. 3 election, supporters are eyeing action in December.

Ohio Capital Journal · Ohio House of Representatives · Ohio Legislative Service Commission

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