More than 20 million Americans are behind on their medical bills. And a survey conducted last year by the group Economic Action Maryland found that 14 percent of Marylanders have medical debt they cannot repay.

That existing debt, and fears of accruing new debt, cause some folks to avoid seeking hospital treatment. 

But Maryland has laws designed to protect patients and Economic Action Maryland has put out a guide to inform them of their rights. We speak with the nonprofit's executive director, Marceline White.

LINKS:
Guide to Medical Debt

More than 20 million Americans are behind on their medical bills. And a survey conducted last year by the group <a href="https://econaction.org/">Economic Action Maryland</a> found that 14 percent of Marylanders have medical debt they cannot repay.
That existing debt, and fears of accruing new debt, cause some folks to avoid seeking hospital treatment. 
But Maryland has laws designed to protect patients and Economic Action Maryland has put out a <a href="https://econaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Guide-to-Medical-Debt-FINAL.pdf">guide </a>to inform them of their rights. We speak with the nonprofit's executive director, Marceline White.
LINKS: <a href="https://econaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Guide-to-Medical-Debt-FINAL.pdf">Guide to Medical Debt</a>

Catch On the Record, hosted by Sheilah Kast, weekdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am, following NPR's Morning Edition. We'll discuss the issues that affect your life and bring you thoughtful and lively conversations with the people who shape those issues -- business people, public officials, scholars, artists, authors, WYPR reporters and other journalists who can take us inside the story. If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you?d like to hear, email us at ontherecord@wypr.org

Catch On the Record, hosted by Sheilah Kast, weekdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am, following NPR's Morning Edition. We'll discuss the issues that affect your life and bring you thoughtful and lively conversations with the people who shape those issues -- business people, public officials, scholars, artists, authors, WYPR reporters and other journalists who can take us inside the story. If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you?d like to hear, email us at <a href="mailto:ontherecord@wypr.org" target="_blank">ontherecord@wypr.org</a>

On The Record

Catch On the Record, hosted by Sheilah Kast, weekdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am, following NPR's Morning Edition. We'll discuss the issues that affect your life and bring you thoughtful and lively conversations with the people who shape those issues -- business people, public officials, scholars, artists, authors, WYPR reporters and other journalists who can take us inside the story. If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you'd like to hear, email us at ontherecord@wypr.org

Catch On the Record, hosted by Sheilah Kast, weekdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am, following NPR's Morning Edition. We'll discuss the issues that affect your life and bring you thoughtful and lively conversations with the people who shape those issues -- business people, public officials, scholars, artists, authors, WYPR reporters and other journalists who can take us inside the story. If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you'd like to hear, email us at <a href="mailto:ontherecord@wypr.org">ontherecord@wypr.org</a>

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