Fran Ciardullo, special counsel, had her “New Laws Strongly Curtail Collection Efforts by Health Care Providers” article published in the March 2023 issue of the New York Beat, the monthly enewsletter from the New York Medical Group Management Association (NYMGMA). The article explores how legislation passed by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul prohibits health care providers from placing liens on an individual’s primary residence or garnishing wages to collect medical debts.
“Prior to this amendment, health care providers were allowed to impose and enforce liens on a patient’s primary residence and to garnish wages to satisfy a judgment in a medical debt lawsuit . . . Both of these collection methods can lead to financial challenges for patients.”
“Although the goal of these laws may have the laudatory purpose of protecting patients against abusive collection practices, they also have the effect of preventing providers from legitimately pursuing payment for past-due amounts.”
Fran’s article advises providers to review their collection practices and identify problems as early as possible.
Click here to read the full article.