FROM THE FOUNDATION

End-of-Life Choices

Trends in end-of-life care show that not only does the care given vary widely from region to region and hospital to hospital, but also patients often don't get the care they prefer. What can be done?

Care Management Puzzle

Chronic diseases and the cost of care are rising. Are disease management programs improving outcomes for patients with complex, chronic conditions?

No Middleman

Under the "direct primary care" model, patients pay a monthly fee for basic medical services. Learn about the history and current landscape of physician practices offering this arrangement.

Health Care Costs

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Legislation Would Help Credit Ratings Sunk by Medical Debt

Congress is considering legislation (S 2149, HR 2086) that would aid consumers who have low credit scores as a result of issues related to medical bills and medical debt. Collection agencies are allowed to keep records of medical debt on file for seven years, but the Senate bill would require those debts to be scrubbed within 45 days of being settled or paid. The House bill only would affect medical debts up to $2,500.



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