Bill > LD902

This bill establishes the Medical Debt Relief Program in Maine to help residents struggling with medical expenses. The program, administered by the Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, will purchase, cancel, or forgive medical debts for state residents whose federal adjusted gross income is not more than 400% of the federal poverty level. To be eligible, the medical debt must have been incurred for medical services, products, or devices and be in collection or sold by the original medical provider. The bill provides comprehensive definitions for key terms like "medical debt" and "medical services," ensuring a broad interpretation to maximize potential debt relief. Importantly, any medical debt discharged through this program will not be considered taxable income for state tax purposes, providing additional financial relief to qualifying residents. The program requires that individuals whose medical debt is forgiven must be notified of the relief, and the administering bureau will be required to submit annual reports to the legislature starting in February 2027, tracking the program's implementation and impact.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=902&snum=132