Bill > S4350

This bill, the COVID-19 Medical Debt Collection Relief Act of 2020, aims to provide immediate relief for patients from certain medical debt collection efforts during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Suspending all "extraordinary collection actions" (such as wage garnishment or liens on property) by healthcare providers that have received federal COVID-19 relief funds, during the "covered period" which lasts until 18 months after the bill's enactment or the end of the COVID-19 emergency declaration, whichever is later. 2. Allowing patients to suspend any existing medical debt repayment plans with these providers during the covered period, with no accrual of interest or fees. 3. Extending health insurance appeal deadlines by one year for medical debt incurred during the COVID-19 public health emergency, prohibiting the accrual and collection of fees and interest related to this debt, and banning extraordinary collection actions on it. The bill also imposes penalties on non-compliant providers, including actual damages, additional damages, and attorneys' fees for patients who successfully sue.