As the Legislature begins to pivot more seriously toward budget negotiations, policy activity in standing committees is focusing on timely topics. Although the Senate Health Policy Committee did not meet this week, the House Health Policy Committee concentrated its attention on a coordinated package on medical debt reform.
This week’s House Health Policy Committee agenda highlighted a growing legislative focus on medical debt, with multiple bills aimed at limiting its impact on patients. After voting on a few items previously heard by the Committee—including HB 5074 (mental health licensure flexibility, approved 16-0) and HB 5251–5252 (prescribed pediatric extended care coverage and licensing, both approved 16-0)—the majority of the Committee’s time was spent on testimony related to financial protections for patients.
HB 5254 (Rep. Rigas-Alto) would cap interest rates on medical debt, addressing how quickly balances can grow after care is delivered. HB 5255 (Rep. Pohutsky-Livonia) would prohibit foreclosure and wage garnishment tied to medical debt, limiting the most aggressive collection practices.
SB 449 (Sen. Anthony-Lansing) would create a Hospital Financial Assistance Act, with SB 450 (Sen. Lindsey-Coldwater) requiring hospitals to align their policies accordingly. SB 451, also introduced by Senator Anthony, would regulate how medical debt is collected and reported to credit agencies. Notably, the Senate has already passed legislation addressing medical debt this session, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer specifically highlighted the need to address medical debt in her State of the State address.
Together, these bills target multiple points in the medical debt lifecycle—from billing and assistance to collections and credit reporting.
The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), based on policy adopted at a previous House of Delegates meeting, submitted a card of support for efforts to reduce patients’ medical debt burdens. No vote was taken as committee members indicated a need for further information and some potential changes to the package before it could be moved.
Overall, the agenda reflects a coordinated shift toward treating medical debt as a systemic issue, with policymakers advancing a more comprehensive framework to mitigate its impact on Michigan patients.
In other news, MSMS continues to educate legislators on the importance of physician-led care teams. House Bill 5522, which would allow Physician Assistants to practice independent of a physician, was recently introduced and may see a hearing as early as this month. Please contact your Representative and share your concerns today.
In-District Events
Another great way to get involved is to attend an event hosted by your legislator in your district. A list of upcoming events can be found below:
MONDAY, APRIL 20
- Representative Matt Longjohn (D) Local Coffee Hour 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. 6101 W Main St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
- Representative Regina Weiss (D) Local Coffee Hour 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Northwest Activities Center 18100 Meyers Rd., Detroit, MI48235
- Senator Kevin Hertel (D) Local Coffee Hours 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Crocker Coffee House: 26050 Crocker Blvd., Harrison twp, MI. 48045
- Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D) Local Coffee Hours 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Clinton-Macomb Public Library (South Branch): 35679 South Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48035
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
- Senator Mary Cavanagh (D) Local Office Hours 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. District Office 17346 Lahser Rd., Detroit, MI 48219
- Senator Sean McCann (D) Local Coffee Hours 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Northside Association for Community Development (NACD): 612 N. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
MONDAY, APRIL 27
- Representative Betsy Coffia (D) Local Office Hours 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Suttons Bay Bingham District Library 416 Front Street, PO Box 340 Suttons Bay, MI 49682
- Senator Sam Singh (D) Local Coffee Hours 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 [.m. St. Johns Briggs District Library: 108 E Railroad St., St. Johns, MI 48879
MONDAY, MAY 4
- Representative Regina Weiss (D) Local Coffee Hour 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oak Park Public Library 14200 Oak Park Blvd Oak Park, MI 48237
MONDAY, MAY 11
- Representative Betsy Coffia (D) Local Office Hours 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Leelanau County Government Center (8527 E Government Center Dr, Suttons Bay).
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
- Representative Mike Mueller (R) Coffee Hour 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mundy Township Senior and Enrichment Center, 3478 Mundy Ave., Swartz Creek.
MONDAY, MAY 20
- Representative Nancy DeBoer (R) Local Office Hours 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 1190 S. Washington Ave., Holland MI
For questions regarding legislative issues of concern or interest, please contact Kate Dorsey, MSMS Director of Government Affairs, at kdorsey@msms.org or 517-336-5737.