Hoosiers Rally for Medical Debt Relief Legislation

Advocates urge lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 85 to limit hospital debt collection practices

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Hoosiers gathered at the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday to call on lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 85, which would put limits on how hospitals collect unpaid medical bills. The rally featured personal stories of the financial burden caused by medical debt, with one speaker saying her brother died because he couldn't afford treatment. The proposed legislation would prevent hospitals from placing liens on people's homes and cap wage garnishment for medical expenses.

Why it matters

Medical debt is a major issue in Indiana, with nearly 20% of Hoosiers having medical debt in collections totaling $2.2 billion statewide. The rally highlighted how unexpected illnesses can devastate families financially, leading some to forgo necessary treatment. Passing Senate Bill 85 could provide relief to those struggling with overwhelming medical bills.

The details

Senate Bill 85 would put several restrictions on how hospitals can collect unpaid medical bills in Indiana. The bill would prohibit hospitals from placing liens on people's homes to collect debt and cap the amount that can be garnished from wages. It would also require hospitals to offer payment plans to patients who meet certain income guidelines.

  • The rally was held at the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Senate Bill 85 has bipartisan support in the state Senate, but has not yet been heard by lawmakers in the House.

The players

Dave Almeida

A representative from Blood Cancer United, one of about 25 organizations that have worked together to find solutions to medical debt in Indiana.

Christine Yoder

A Hoosier who shared how medical debt contributed to the death of her brother and is now impacting her 13-year-old grandson's cancer treatment.

Senate Bill 85

Legislation that would put limits on how hospitals can collect unpaid medical bills in Indiana, including prohibiting liens on homes and capping wage garnishment.

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What they’re saying

“Medical debt isn't a choice. It's a price people pay for getting sick.”

— Dave Almeida, Representative, Blood Cancer United (WTHR)

“Medical debt should never be a part of decision-making for your life.”

— Christine Yoder (WTHR)

“His death certificate says that he died from cardiac issues. I promise you, he died because of medical debt and putting things off until he just didn't have any choice.”

— Christine Yoder (WTHR)

What’s next

Senate Bill 85 still needs to be heard by lawmakers in the Indiana House of Representatives after receiving bipartisan support in the Senate.

The takeaway

This rally highlights the devastating impact of medical debt on Hoosier families and the urgent need for legislative action to provide relief. Passing Senate Bill 85 could help prevent people from having to choose between their health and financial stability.