Dear Editor,
At the Vermont Network, we support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, amplify their voices, and build safer communities. We represent 15 independent nonprofits that provide direct services to survivors and prevention programming in their communities.
S.27, a proposal to eliminate up to $100 million in medical debt for low-income Vermonters and exclude medical debt from credit reports, supports this work. Brought forward by Senator Ginny Lyons and Treasurer Mike Pieciak, the bill is a critical step toward helping survivors achieve economic security, better health outcomes, and a safer future.
Economic security is a barrier to safety and healing for survivors. As healthcare costs rise in Vermont, survivors are more vulnerable to accruing medical debt as a direct result of abuse.
The National Institutes of Health estimates that the lifetime financial loss from intimate partner violence exceeds $100K per female victim, with healthcare expenses accounting for the majority of that cost. Research shows that survivors have higher healthcare costs, even years after escaping abuse.
An emergency room visit or mental health care can leave people burdened by debt through no fault of their own. That debt can damage their credit, making it harder to secure housing, find employment, and escape an abusive partner.
Medical debt can also lead to worse health outcomes. Studies show that tens of thousands of Vermonters delay treatment out of fear of medical debt. This can result in more serious health issues, higher future medical costs, and time away from work.
When someone is unable to pay their medical bills, everything else — including their safety — becomes less affordable. Nothing should hold survivors back from moving forward in their lives.
On behalf of the Vermont Network, we encourage the Legislature to support S.27, an investment in Vermonters’ safety, health, and prosperity.
Sarah Robinson, co-exec. director of Vt Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
