February 14, 2025:
A bill prohibiting medical debt reporting to credit agencies failed in the South Dakota House last week (Feb. 13, 2025) on a 24-44 vote.
House Bill 1058 would have barred medical providers from reporting unpaid medical bills to credit reporting agencies, making violations a Class 2 misdemeanor.
According to testimony, South Dakota ranks second among Great Plains states in per capita healthcare spending.
Story courtesy of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
February 11, 2025:
Two medical debt bills received different answers Tuesday (Feb. 11, 2025) from South Dakota lawmakers.
The House Health and Human Services Committee approved House Bill 1058A, which stops hospitals from putting medical bills on credit reports. It passed 9-4.
House Bill 1210 would have limited when hospitals could send bills to collection agencies. It failed 10-3.
Several people testified about large medical debts and dealing with collection agencies after their illnesses.
“Cancer took everything. My credit. My marriage. My health,” Sarah Graves from Pierre told lawmakers. She owed $800,000 for leukemia treatment.
Tim Rave, who represents South Dakota hospitals, said they already assist patients by providing financial aid and support. “Hospitals gave $134 million in free care last year.”
Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt from Sioux Falls worried about small-town hospitals. “Eight South Dakota hospitals might close,” she said.
Banks also opposed the changes. “This breaks how lending works,” said Karl Adam, President of the South Dakota Bankers Association.
HB 1058A now goes to the full House.
Story courtesy of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
Comments