just passed

[markie]

medical debt relief for all low and middle income residents!!!!!

"I have some very exciting news to share:

Our bill to erase nearly $100 million in medical debt for low- and middle-income Vermonters unanimously passed in both chambers of the state legislature.

This new legislation will eliminate medical debt held by over 60,000 Vermonters — and it will even go one step further by removing the debt from their credit reports.

Eliminating this debt can potentially transform the lives of so many people.

No one should face financial strain because they need treatment for an injury or illness.

Vermonters aren’t at fault for accumulating medical debt. Medical debt is a byproduct of the major gaps in our healthcare system.

More than 1 in 10 Vermonters currently hold medical debt, and studies show that people are likely to delay or stop seeking care entirely because they’re worried about the debt they’ve already incurred. No one in the richest country in the world should avoid necessary medical care because of the failures of the healthcare system.

It’s just plain wrong, and this legislation marks a huge step forward in improving health outcomes for Vermonters and making our state more affordable.

I look forward to seeing this transformative legislation signed into law as soon as possible — and I’m grateful to everyone who helped get it across the finish line.

I won’t stop fighting for a healthier, safer, and more affordable Vermont for all of us.

Thank you,

Mike (Pieciak, Treasurer)