FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 21, 2025
Contact: Sarah Fulton (302) 401-1114
DOVER — Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos and Rep. Kim Williams introduced consumer protection legislation on Tuesday that would prohibit medical debt buyers from communicating with or reporting medical debt information to any consumer reporting agency.
“This legislation expands on our efforts to provide relief to Delaware patients through the Medical Debt Protection Act, which was signed into law in 2023,” said Sen. Mantzavinos. “When we first set out to support patients who had been weighed down by insurmountable medical debt, we focused on prohibiting unfair debt collection practices. Now, we are taking the next step to ensure that no one’s medical debt can negatively impact their credit score, their ability to get a loan, or their employment status.”
Senate Bill 156 prohibits the reporting of medical debt information to consumer reporting agencies and ensures that no medical debt information that is contained in any consumer report can be used as a negative factor when making decisions regarding someone’s credit, employment, or housing.
“The reality is that medical care can be extremely expensive and a large obstacle for families. Far too many Delawareans have chronic illnesses or long-term medical issues, their healthcare bills add up,” said Rep. Williams, House prime sponsor of SB 156.
“This legislation ensures that those are not unfairly burdened or punished simply for having medical debt – something that many people can’t control.”
This legislation complements a commitment from Governor Matt Meyer who announced $50 million in medical debt relief during his inaugural State of the State address.
“No one should be penalized for getting sick, and medical debt shouldn’t define someone’s financial future,” said Gov. Meyer. “I’m proud to collaborate with Senator Mantzavinos on legislation that embodies our core values of fairness, compassion, and dignity—ensuring people aren’t forced to choose between their health and their credit score. I encourage the House and Senate to pass this bill quickly to protect our neighbors, our families, and our communities from undue financial harm.”
SB 156 has been assigned to the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee.
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