Some respite from the extremism of absurd medical bills: Governor Mills Signs Law to Strengthen Protections for Maine [View all]

Governor Mills Signs Law to Strengthen Protections for Maine People from the Harmful Impacts of Medical Debt

Governor Janet Mills today signed LD 2129, legislation to protect Maine people by prohibiting medical debt collectors from placing a lien on a person's home or garnishing their wages.

"No one should lose their home or their paycheck because they got sick," said Governor Janet Mills. "We need to do much more to bring down the cost of health care in this country. But in Maine, we're not waiting for the Federal government to act. We are taking action to protect Maine people and to make sure that illness or accident never costs someone their home or their livelihood."

The new law builds on earlier legislation signed by Governor Mills, and also sponsored by Senator Bailey, that prohibited medical debt from appearing on consumer credit reports, helping protect Mainers' credit scores and financial stability.

"Medical debt continues to hurt hardworking Maine families who, through no fault of their own, take on debt for seeking medical care -- often for a life-changing diagnosis or for a life-threatening emergency," said Senator Donna Bailey. "With the signing of this bill, we are taking another critical step to protect Mainers from the harmful impact of this debt. It is a part of our plan to help folks breathe a little easier, so they can focus on their healing and recovery."

https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-signs-law-strengthen-protections-maine-people-harmful-impacts-medical-debt-2026