Dr. Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio, has made medical debt forgiveness a key aspect of her campaign ahead of the November elections. Acton, a former state public health leader, has pledged to implement a plan for medical debt relief if elected, similar to initiatives in other Democratic-led states. She previously served as Ohio’s chief public health officer and resigned in June 2020 after disagreements with the state legislature regarding COVID-19 lockdown measures.
On the campaign trail, Acton emphasizes her health policy proposals, particularly medical debt relief, to appeal to voters. During a May 6 interview, she shared a story about a family burdened with $300,000 in medical debt due to the care of newborn twins. Acton stated, "Every one of us is one healthcare emergency away from losing everything."
Healthcare affordability is a significant concern for voters, with approximately 1 in 7 Ohioans having unpaid medical debts for more than 90 days in 2022. The public owes around $220 billion in medical debt nationwide, affecting nearly 60% of Americans.
Acton’s plan for medical debt forgiveness would involve a one-time payment to eliminate debt for individuals earning at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, or those whose medical debt exceeds 5% of their household income. She referenced successful models from Illinois, where similar measures have been implemented.
Additionally, Acton aims to launch "Ohio Rx," a platform to help reduce prescription drug prices, and advance legislation to include out-of-pocket medication costs in health insurance deductibles. She believes that healthcare and economic issues should not be partisan and that Ohioans prioritize affordable healthcare and quality of life improvements.