Bill > S355

This bill, the COVID-19 Medical Debt Collection Relief Act of 2021, provides immediate relief for patients from certain medical debt collection efforts during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency. The key provisions include: 1) Suspension of extraordinary collection actions by covered providers (healthcare entities that have received federal COVID-19 funds) for medical debt during a covered period that lasts until 18 months after enactment or the end of the COVID-19 emergency; 2) Suspension of repayment plans upon patient request, with reasonable forbearance and repayment options when payments resume; 3) Consumer protections like extended appeal deadlines, a prohibition on accruing fees and interest, and a ban on extraordinary collection actions for COVID-19-related medical debt incurred during the emergency period. The bill also includes penalties for non-compliance by covered providers.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/355/all-info