In Jan. 2025, then-Vice President Kamala Harris announced a final rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to remove medical debt from consumers’ credit reports. The policy was to take effect in March, but just like many other Biden-era actions, the Trump administration is changing course. Now, a federal judge is expected to decide in mid-June about whether to vacate the consumer protection rule. Georgia ranks among the top five states with the most medical debt, with 13% of adults in the state owing money. Former health tech executive and consumer advocate Scott Speranza, the CEO of HealthLock, discusses what this could mean for Georgians.

For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Bon Varlet. The standout Kennesaw State University graduate majored in information technology. She talks with Rose about her academic journey, including earning a Fulbright Study Award, and her aspirations to attend law school and to protect public institutions, particularly libraries.

In Jan. 2025, then-Vice President Kamala Harris announced a final rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to remove medical debt from consumers&rsquo;&nbsp;credit reports. The policy was to take effect in March, but just like many other Biden-era actions, the Trump administration is&nbsp;changing course. Now, a federal judge is expected to decide in mid-June about whether to vacate the consumer protection rule. Georgia&nbsp;ranks&nbsp;among the top five states&nbsp;with the most medical debt,&nbsp;with 13% of adults&nbsp;in the state&nbsp;owing money. Former health tech executive and consumer advocate <a href="https://healthlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Scott-Speranza-Bio.pdf">Scott Speranza</a>, the CEO of HealthLock, discusses what this could mean for Georgians.
For &ldquo;Closer Look&rsquo;s&rdquo; <a href="https://www.wabe.org/closer-look-graduation-series-2025/">Class of 2025 graduation series</a>, we hear from <a href="https://www.kennesaw.edu/news/stories/2025/information-technology-student-fulbright-interest-cybersecurity.php">Bon Varlet</a>. The standout Kennesaw State University graduate majored in information technology. She talks with Rose about her academic journey, including earning a Fulbright Study Award, and her aspirations to attend law school and to protect public institutions, particularly libraries.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.