Article information
- Category: U.S. Politics / Fact Check
- Source: CNN
- Reporter: Daniel Dale
- Original article: Read the full CNN report
- Related reporting: CNN report on Trump’s remarks about Marshall
CNN fact-checking correspondent Daniel Dale examined President Donald Trump’s claim that Republican Senator Roger Marshall was legally required to sue patients who had unpaid medical bills.
According to CNN’s reporting, no federal or Kansas law required Marshall to sue patients over unpaid medical debts. Healthcare providers can make reasonable efforts to collect outstanding payments, but they may also forgive debts in cases of genuine financial hardship. Federal guidance does not require lawsuits as a standard collection method.
What happened?
At a campaign rally in Kansas on October 19, Trump defended Marshall after a report about lawsuits filed against patients who owed money to his former medical practice.
- The allegations: A New York Times investigation reported that Marshall had sued more than 700 patients over unpaid medical bills, with some patients arrested after missing court dates.
- Trump’s claim: Trump argued that Marshall had been legally required to pursue the debts and could have faced criminal liability otherwise.
- What the fact-check found: Legal experts told CNN that doctors have discretion over collecting debts, including whether to sue patients. Federal rules can require reasonable collection efforts in certain circumstances, but those efforts do not necessarily require litigation.
- Interest charges: CNN also reported that no law required Marshall to charge an 18% annual interest rate on unpaid bills.
Article information
- Category: U.S. Politics / Fact Check
- Source: CNN
- Reporter: Daniel Dale
- Original article: Read the full CNN report
- Related reporting: CNN report on Trump’s remarks about Marshall
