Bill > SB349

This bill establishes new requirements and protections related to medical debt in Maryland, specifically addressing how medical debt can be pursued through legal complaints and liens. The bill defines "medical debt" as a debt owed to a person or entity primarily providing medical services, products, or devices, and explicitly excludes most credit card charges from this definition unless the card is specifically issued for healthcare services. When filing a legal complaint seeking a money judgment for medical debt, plaintiffs must now indicate that the judgment is for medical debt and include the defendant's primary residence address. Importantly, the bill prohibits creating liens on owner-occupied residential properties for medical debt, meaning that individuals cannot lose their primary home due to unpaid medical bills. The legislation applies only to complaints filed after its effective date (October 1, 2025) and aims to provide additional protections for consumers by preventing aggressive debt collection practices that could threaten homeownership. By narrowly defining medical debt and restricting lien creation, the bill seeks to offer some relief to Maryland residents facing significant medical expenses.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0349?ys=2025RS