Connecticut Cracks Down on Medical Credit Cards

0:00Connecticut lawmakers just took a big swing at medical credit cards like care credit. The ones pushed on patients right after dental work or vet visits. These cards promise 0% interest for a promo period, but if you don't pay off the full balance on time, bam retroactive interest hits that. 30% to 40% on the whole original amount. One woman shared how she got sold one while groggy for anesthesia, even though insurance covered her bill, and years later it tainted her credit and, blocked her from renting a place. Providers love these cards because they handle billing headaches and let folks afford treatments up front. Bets in hospitals say they've been a lifeline for pet owners and patients spreading out big bills without DIY payment plans that often go unpaid, but consumer groups and the state attorney general are calling them straight up deceptive traps. The National Consumer Law Center reports nearly 40% of subprime borrowers can't pay off in time, leading to massive debt, wrecked credit.

1:00Scores and trouble getting jobs, cars, or homes. Consumer reports urges everyone to steer clear. Now the house passed bill hb5127 by a whopping 141 to 6 vote, sending it to the Senate. It doesn't ban the cars, but cracks down on shady practices. No pitching them while patients are under anesthesia or mid treatment, no charging before. Services, providers must disclose their third party deals with no kickbacks and they can't even submit applications for you. This move aims to shield folks in vulnerable spots, from high pressure sales during health scares, forcing real transparency so patients know what. They're signing up for before debt spirals out of control. Local news, powered by AI. This is Hartford News Today. I'm Corey with The Story.