As Federal Protections Stall, States Move to the Front Lines to Alleviate Medical Debt

Maanasa Kona, Sabrina Corlette, and Zeynep Celik | 2026-01-22This piece examines state medical debt protections, including financial assistance, bill payment plans, credit reporting restrictions, and lawsuit limits, as millions of Americans face rising medical bills and weakening federal support due to ACA premium credit expirations and reduced Medicaid and marketplace funding in 2026.Please click here to view the publication.