Medical Debt in America: A Research and Policy Forum

May 15, 2025 – Washington, DC

Join the Lown Institute along with policymakers, hospitals, patient advocates, researchers, and other experts on medical debt for a one-day, in person conference. We’ll discuss the scope of the problem, key drivers, and emerging challenges and opportunities to address medical debt with a new administration.

Hear from the lead organizer on why you don’t want to miss this important event

Event details

Date: Thursday May 15, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Barbara Jordan Conference Center (1330 G St NW, Washington, DC 20005)

Program outline

Time	Session
8:30 – 9:00 AM	Continental breakfast
9:00 – 9:15 AM	Welcome remarks
9:15 – 9:45 AM	“Flipping the script: Starting with solutions” featuring a variety of stakeholders sharing their elevator pitch for reducing medical debt.
9:45 – 10:45 AM	What do we know about the scope and drivers of medical debt? A review of the evidence
10:45 – 11:00 AM	Break
11:00AM – 12:15PM	Hospitals and medical debt: How hospitals can help prevent medical debt and the barriers to action
12:15 – 1:00 PM	Lunch & potential keynote remarks
1:00 – 2:00 PM	State-based solutions: How states are taking action on medical debt
2:00 – 3:00 PM	Federal solutions: Addressing medical debt in the Trump administration
3:00 – 3:15 PM	Break
3:15 – 4:05 PM	Systemic solutions: How do we prevent medical debt in the long term?
4:05-4:15 PM	Closing Remarks
4:15 PM	Networking event (space permitting)

Participating organizations

Americans for Financial Reform
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI)
Community Catalyst
Consumer Reports
Community Service Society of New York (CSSNY)
Dollar For
Economic Action Maryland
KFF Health News
National Consumer Law Cener (NCLC)
People’s Action
Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP)
Small Business Majority
Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research
Undue Medical Debt
University of South Carolina
Urban Institute
US PIRG

This event is supported by Arnold Ventures.