Occasionally, a great idea comes from Harrisburg, something that helps people in need but at a low cost to taxpayers.
State Representative Arvind Venkat, who represents the North Hills, wants to erase nearly $400 million in medical debt, most of it in collection.
And, get this, Governor Josh Shapiro says it can be done for $4 million. How?
The state will pay nonprofits that buy debt from health care providers for pennies on the dollar. Those who need help most will qualify: a single with annual income of about $60,000 and under or a family of four with earnings less than $125,000, or those with a medical debt of at least 5% of annual income.
Rural counties have the highest percentages of residents with medical debt, so this program would help many in the Pittsburgh region.
Another plus is the Pennsylvanians who qualify won’t have to apply.
A vendor selected to oversee the program will eliminate debt and inform the individual after the fact. It’s a great idea and it should sail through the legislature and be signed into law.