The New York State Legislature passed two bills aimed at easing medical debt back in May, and a new report indicates they are much needed.

The first bill bans medical liens and wage garnishment; the second regulates the billing of so-called "facility fees," and requires that patients be informed about those fees upfront.

In a report on hospital debt, the Community Service Society of New York found that 112 nonprofit hospitals sued more than 53,000 patients across the state between 2015 and 2020.

Dr. Elisabeth Benjamin, vice president of health initiatives with the CSSNY, said she thinks facility fees help hospitals get money from people when they aren't supposed to be charged.

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