North Carolina's small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic vitality. However, small businesses across the state are feeling immense financial pressure because of rising healthcare costs, leading to medical debt that saps money and time they could be investing in the health of their businesses. 

Senate Bill 321 offers a lifeline to Main Street business owners and their families by addressing medical debt. It includes provisions that would limit medical debt interest rates and increase transparency by requiring medical facilities to post price information online. 

The legislation passed the Senate with almost unanimous bipartisan support. As the session comes to a close, we are urging the House to do the same. SB 321 is a commonsense reform with broad support that promises the protection and transparency that North Carolina small businesses need to thrive and bolster the economy. 

The storybook linked below includes real-life accounts of North Carolina small business owners whose medical debt has impacted their businesses, highlighting the urgency of the reforms proposed in SB 321.