(INDIANAPOLIS) - Patient advocates and nonprofit organizations are calling on Indiana lawmakers to immediately pass legislation aimed at preventing medical debt and easing the financial burden faced by Hoosiers dealing with serious illness.
A press conference is scheduled for noon Wednesday, February 11, at the Indiana Statehouse, where patient voices and policy experts will urge lawmakers to prioritize medical debt relief during the current legislative session.
Among those speaking will be Christine Yoder, a breast cancer survivor whose family has been deeply affected by serious illness. Yoder's brother died from kidney disease, and her grandson is currently battling cancer. Representatives from Blood Cancer United, United Way of Central Indiana, and the Little Red Door cancer agency are also expected to speak.
Organizers say medical debt often creates lasting financial harm for patients already struggling with health crises. They are urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would expand access to financial assistance and limit aggressive medical debt collection practices.
Advocates argue that addressing medical debt would allow patients to focus on recovery without the fear of long-term financial consequences.
The event will take place in the third-floor North Atrium of the Indiana Statehouse.