Progressive Lawmakers Push for Medical Debt Relief

Among figures used by the legislators was 2018 census data, which showed 8 million Americans were pushed into poverty due to medical expenses.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) speaks to the media outside of the White House in Washington on July 17, 2023. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Following the Biden administration’s efforts to cancel student debt, progressive lawmakers are moving toward canceling medical debt as well, with new legislation filed on May 8.

The legislation, led by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), would eliminate $220 billion in medical debt held by millions of Americans, wipe it from credit reports, and limit collection of future medical debt, according to a press release from the lawmakers.