3 Reasons To Attend the Lown Medical Debt Conference

Medical debt is frighteningly normal in America. Every day it seems like there’s a new story about someone facing financial harm from routine healthcare or an accident. We don’t choose to get sick, so unlike other things that may show up on a credit report, medical debt isn’t the result of an irresponsible financial decision.

But here’s the good news. In the past few years, we’ve seen a growing body of research, enormous advocacy, and heightened policymaker attention on this issue. There’s a broad coalition of people working in healthcare who are dedicated to eliminating medical debt—and in a few months, we’re bringing them all together.

On May 15, 2025, the Lown Institute will be hosting a one-day, in person conference in Washington, D.C., featuring leading researchers, organizers, state and federal policymakers, and other experts to build consensus and action. If you’re interested in medical debt for yourself, your community, or your career, you won’t want to miss this event.

1. Get up-to-date medical debt research, straight from the experts

With a rapidly growing field of research on medical debt, it can be hard to keep up with all of the data. At this conference, you’ll hear from researchers at leading organizations in the field, including the Lown Institute, Urban Institute, KFF Health News, and Undue Medical Debt, with their latest insights into this critical issue. We’ll cover the prevalence and impact of medical debt, key challenges in measurement, variation in hospital financial assistance policies, and how medical debt relates to structural issues within our health system. 

2. Influence the conversation around policy and advocacy

This conference will give you the opportunity to connect with advocates, hospital leaders, healthcare experts, and state and federal policymakers in an open discussion about solutions for medical debt. We’ll have speakers from Dollar For, National Consumer Law Center, the Community Service Society of New York, Small Business Majority, ABIM Foundation, US PIRG, and more. Hear from a variety of stakeholders as they pitch their fixes for reducing medical debt, learn about what policies states are implementing and how it’s going, and get the scoop on the federal policy landscape from insiders. We’ll have plenty of Q&A and networking time so everyone can join in the conversation.

3. Get inspired!

This conference is all about collaboration and sharing ideas. Let’s explore what’s possible with a new presidential administration that presents both challenges and opportunities. While medical debt is a pervasive problem, we know there are avenues for significant improvement and we’re excited to hear what everyone has to say. Come curious, and leave with renewed energy and actionable ideas to drive change in your state or community. 

Excited about this event? We are too! See you in Washington, D.C. on May 15, 2025.