Medical cannabis is legal in some form throughout much of the United States, but only a handful of states allow its use for the specific mental-related conditions of Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD and anorexia (this, specifically because it stimulates the appetite).
Hospitals across Mississippi are suing patients over medical debt, a practice that typically generates little revenue but can harm patients. In Part 3 of his MCIR series on medical debt, Giacomo Bologna reports potential solutions.
Debt collectors are supposed to mirror the values of St. Dominic, a nonprofit hospital in Jackson that says access to affordable healthcare is the community’s most urgent need. But an investigation found that their contract debt collectors often sue Mississippians in low-wage industries and garnish their wages, tacking on expensive attorney’s fees, court costs and interest rates.
Thousands of Mississippians who have gone to the nonprofit St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson for medical care and were later sued over medical debt, a tactic that rarely brings much revenue to hospitals, but can have devastating impacts on patients. Giacomo Bologna investigates.
Providing yet another tax break for the state’s wealthiest—particularly during a global health crisis and economic recession—should not be a policy priority of state lawmakers. Nonetheless, state lawmakers are still considering eliminating the state individual income tax. State lawmakers’ top priority right now should be all Mississippi residents, particularly those facing hardship.
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