Committee advances medical‑credit‑card bill that bars providers from charging deferred‑interest cards before services are rendered

Representative Turco moved HB 5127, a JFS bill aimed at curbing deceptive uses of so‑called medical credit cards, and the General Law Committee voted to send the measure to the floor after extended debate.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Turco, told the committee the measure responds to “numerous complaints” in Connecticut and nationwide about lenders that offer deferred‑interest products that typically begin with a 0% introductory period and can result in retroactive interest that “starts getting accrued on day 1.” The JFS language sponsors presented would: prohibit providers from charging deferred‑interest or similar cards before the medical service is provided (so patients receive the full promotional period); prohibit providers from receiving compensation for enrolling patients; restrict provider solicitation and co‑branding; and allow narrow emergency exceptions, including for veterinary emergencies, so emergency care is not delayed.

“Some consumers were signing up for this product while under anesthesia,” Turco said, explaining why the bill also reiterates that providers may not solicit patients in circumstances where meaningful consent cannot be given. She added the bill would allow providers to display that a product is accepted and to provide informational materials if the consumer requests them.

Senator Ciccarella voiced concern that well‑intentioned language could limit patient access to a potentially useful payment option, especially for emergencies or cases where consumers lack other credit. Citing personal experience with veterinary care, Ciccarella asked whether the bill would prevent a vet from using such a card to pay for immediate life‑saving care. Turco and other supporters said the bill was drafted to preserve consumer choice: it does not prevent consumers from using medical cards, and it includes emergency exceptions so a provider may accept a card in an emergency when appropriate.

Other members pressed sponsors to clarify mechanics. Representative Iaccarino asked why deferred‑interest medical cards behave differently from standard credit cards; sponsors explained that these products regularly apply retroactive interest to the original balance if a consumer does not repay within the introductory period, a practice that can produce a large unexpected bill. Representative Ackert said some consumers could benefit from the product if they can pay within the promotional window, and asked that the bill avoid needlessly removing that option. Turco said the JFS language aims to strike that balance by banning solicitation and pre‑charging while leaving the card available at the consumer’s request.

After discussion, the committee took a roll‑call vote to send HB 5127 JFS to the floor. The roll‑call recorded a majority yes vote; Senator Ciccarella registered a no vote during the roll call. The bill sponsor said she would continue to work with members on language clarifications before floor debate.

The committee’s next meeting was announced for Monday, March 16, and members held votes open until 4 p.m.

Ending: HB 5127 now moves to the legislative floor with the committee’s recommendation; supporters say further technical clarifications are forthcoming and sponsors expect continued negotiation on narrowly defined exceptions and disclosure language.