- United States
- Ariz.
- Letter
I’m writing to you as a concerned resident of Arizona to urge action on a deeply important issue: protecting consumers from the financial harm caused by the inclusion of medical debt on credit reports.
Many Arizonans face medical expenses not because of poor financial choices, but because they needed care. Emergencies, unexpected procedures, and insurance delays often leave families burdened with medical bills—and now, with a recent federal ruling overturning the CFPB’s protections, that debt may once again damage our credit scores.
Medical debt is not a reliable measure of creditworthiness. It stems from health crises, not financial irresponsibility. Penalizing someone for falling ill is not only unjust—it’s economically shortsighted. Credit reports influence everything from loan eligibility to rental applications and even job opportunities.
States like California, New York, and Rhode Island have already passed laws banning medical debt from appearing on credit reports. I strongly encourage you to consider similar legislation for Arizona to:
• Prohibit healthcare providers and debt collectors from furnishing medical debt to credit bureaus.
• Protect Arizona residents from wage garnishment and asset seizure due to unpaid medical bills.
• Ensure fair access to housing, employment, and financial mobility for those dealing with medical hardship.
This is a moment for bold leadership and compassionate policymaking. Please stand with Arizona families and work toward a system that prioritizes health, not punishment.
Thank you for your service, and I hope I can count on your support.