Forgiving Medical Debt a Key Focus for Physician in Governor Race

Amy Acton, MD, MPH, a physician and gubernatorial candidate for Ohio, is prioritizing the issue of medical debt in her campaign. As governor, she plans to forgive medical debt at a fraction of the original cost, helping to alleviate financial burdens for Ohioans. Acton, who grew up in Youngstown, earned her medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and a Master of Public Health from Ohio State University. She has previously served as the director of Ohio's health department.

Acton's background as a physician and public health expert qualifies her to address healthcare issues if elected governor. During her tenure as state health director alongside Republican Governor Mike DeWine, she worked towards putting public health above politics. As governor, Acton aims to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all Ohioans by fighting to protect Medicaid and Medicare, reducing prescription drug prices, and lowering healthcare premiums.

The physician highlights the impact of medical debt on Ohioans, stating that many are one healthcare emergency away from losing everything. To tackle this issue, Acton proposes working with nonprofit organizations like Undue Medical Debt to buy bundled debt at a lower price, effectively eliminating medical debt for individuals with low income or debt exceeding a certain percentage of their household income.

Acton emphasizes her commitment to addressing healthcare issues in rural Ohio, where hospitals and clinics are at risk of closure due to funding cuts. With over 25% of Ohio's population reliant on Medicaid and millions on Medicare, she vows to stand up against attacks on these programs and ensure that Ohioans have continued access to essential healthcare services.