There are millions of Americans with life threatening Chronic diseases. It’s stressful enough to the patient and families going through this life changing situation but it’s even more stressful with the financial situations this puts many in.
I propose a government policy that protects its people and offers financial mercy for these patients and families.
This policy is not intended to avoid paying any debt but simply to create terms that take the financial stress off these families. ( This situation affects American in all walks of life and across political lines)
Place these patients into a “Mercy Category” that accomplishes the following.
(A doctor would have to verify, under penalty of perjury, that the patient has a life threatening condition and should be placed in the Mercy Category)
A. Prevents financial penalties and interest rates charged by credit card
companies and entities collecting on services.
This financial death spiral needs to be eliminated.
B. Prevent debt collectors from contacting these patients are family members.
C. Credit Rating Agencies are notified that the patient is in the Mercy Category and are prevented from lowering credit scores based on medical issues.
D. Providers cannot discriminate against patients in Mercy Category.
E. The patient (with advice from family) determines what they can pay each vendor each month ( a minimal amount must be paid to each creditor/vendor) Balances due will not incur any interest charges.
F. If patient passes away, family/heirs are responsible for payments to creditors due under same Mercy Category until all debts paid.
There is power in collaboration…I look forward to smarter people than me offering their insights. I realize there may be unintended consequences but we really do need to offer Mercy to these families.