Washington, Oct. 28, 2025—Today, the Trump Administration released new guidance that attempts to thwart state efforts to protect patients from the harms of medical debt. To date, 15 states ban medical debt from credit reports; several additional states have similar bills that are currently moving through the legislative process. Many of the laws were passed in a bipartisan fashion, some even unanimously.
The guidance issued has no legally binding effect, though it is expected to have a chilling effect on states that are currently considering bills banning medical debt from credit reporting.
As an independent, nonpartisan voice for patients, Blood Cancer United—formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society—vigorously opposes the proposed guidance and actions like these that jeopardize patients’ lives and well-being.
Blood Cancer United issued the following statement from Chief Medical Officer, Gwen Nichols, MD, in response to the proposed guidance:
“Cancer patients are already facing an affordability crisis, and this action could exacerbate it. More than 100 million Americans are saddled with crushing medical debt. Let’s be clear: no one chooses cancer, and no one chooses medical debt. In the absence of federal action, lawmakers in several states are working in a bipartisan manner to address this ballooning crisis and protect their residents from financial ruin. Americans overwhelmingly support these actions.
“While this guidance may not overturn existing laws, it will almost surely have a chilling effect on states that are currently considering similar legislation. The Administration has a chance to help patients who are enduring a hardship through no fault of their own—yet too often, it is instead erecting roadblocks. With this guidance, the Administration is going a step further by undermining states’ ability to address the crisis. As a result, patients will continue to be punished for getting sick—and in many cases, they’ll have to delay or even forgo care.
“This guidance is effectively an attack not only on patients’ credit, but on their ability to get care. Navigating cancer care is by itself a profound challenge, to say nothing of the challenge of recovering from the lasting burden of paying for treatment. We urge state lawmakers to continue the important work of addressing medical debt.”
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About Blood Cancer United®
Blood Cancer United® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research, and advocacy. The organization’s mission is to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. To achieve it, Blood Cancer United brings together a community of people—patients and their families, volunteers, healthcare providers, scientists, staff, partners, fundraisers, and philanthropists—who believe all blood cancer patients deserve longer, fuller lives. For support and to learn more, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org.