Do you have Medical Debt? Don't count on Ellen Campbell to have your back.
- sdc3422
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
That's right, District 36 Republican Delegate Ellen Campbell voted against a bill passed by the Democrats that helps to protect you against predatory medical debt collectors in our hour of need.
Imagine that you fall at home and you are taken to the ER where they find a broken leg bone that puts you out of work for at least 4 weeks. You are worried. Will you be able to keep your job? How will you care for your family if you can't work? What about the medical bills? You have health insurance through your employer but the deductible is $5,000 up front.
Within a week, the bills start coming demanding payment. Wait a minute! The bills haven't even cleared insurance yet. How can this be happening to you?
Unfortunately, having big medical bills and going into medical debt is very common even if you have some kind of insurance. Insurance is no guarantee, though, since many people have high deductibles and the insurance companies often deny claims and drag their feet. Oh, and I pray for you if you don't have any insurance at all.
This year, Virginia Democrats passed legislation to help protect you in just this type of devastating situation. This legislation was called The Medical Debt Protection Act (HB 1725).
Let's look at how this legislation helps to protect you from predatory medical debt collection and gives you time to plan, breathe and get through this disaster:
It requires that the hospitals and doctors offer payment plans that don't exceed 5% of a patient's gross monthly income. This helps you pay off any medical debt without going bankrupt, losing your home yet still being able to put food on the table for your family.
It prohibits debt collection activities while health insurance appeals are pending.
It prohibits certain extraordinary collection actions, such as causing arrests or foreclosing on property due to medical debt.
It prohibits large health care facilities and medical debt buyers from charging interest or late fees on medical debt.
Remember that our Republican Delegate Ellen Campbell, who is supposed to look out for us in the state government, voted against this legislation, while Democrats voted for it - and for you. Don't count on Ellen Campbell to have your back.
On November 4th, voters in the 36th District have the opportunity to elect Democrat Makayla Venable, who does have your back and will work to make your life easier and improve Virginia's health care systems.
For more information about Makayla Venable for House of Delegates 36, please visit her website at venable4va.com.
Created and paid for by the Staunton Democratic Committee (staunton-democrats.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Join us in fighting for democracy - staunton-democrats.org
***********
Early Voting starts September 19 2025. Your local Voter Registrar has location and other details.
For Staunton Voters - 1st Floor City Hall - Beverley St. 📞 540-332-3840
For Augusta County Voters - Registrar Office at 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA 24482 - M-F 8 am - 1 pm and 2-5 pm (closed from 1 - 2 pm). 📞 540-245-5656
For Waynesboro Voters - Registrar Office - 501 W Broad St, Waynesboro VA 22980 - M-F 9 am - 1 pm and 2 - 5 pm (Closed 1-2 PM). 📞 540-942-6620
For Rockbridge County Voters - Registrar Office - Rockbridge County Administrative Office Building, 150 South Main Street, 1st Floor, Room 106 B, Lexington, Virginia 24450. Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 📞 540-463-7203
Are you unclear which District you vote in?
Call your local Voter Registrar's office or go to the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal to find out.
Do you need to register to vote, check or change your registration, find your polling place, or apply to vote by absentee ballot?
Then go to the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal
Or call your local Voter Registrar's office.
Comments