Kansas Senator Responds to Allegations Over Lawsuits Against Patients

A Republican senator from Kansas, embroiled in a hotly contested race, has called a report alleging hundreds of lawsuits against former patients a politically motivated “hit job.” Senator Roger Marshall, in an interview with Fox News Digital, accused top Democrats of planting the story. The report from The New York Times detailed multiple lawsuits related to unpaid bills from his former OB-GYN practice, some resulting in arrests.

Marshall, an R-Kan., discussed the allegations during the Republican National Committee midterm convention in Dallas. He claimed the article was a left-wing attack, allegedly financed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Marshall compared the report’s credibility to sensationalist publications, like the National Enquirer.

Having co-founded the Great Bend Regional Hospital and running his Heartland Regional OB-GYN practice until 2016, Marshall has faced scrutiny for lawsuits filed against more than 700 patients with delinquent medical bills. These lawsuits reportedly charged patients an 18% annual interest rate. The Times reported 81 individuals were arrested for failing to appear in court, interviewing several of the detained.

Senator Marshall emphasized he did not wish for anyone to face arrest due to unpaid bills associated with himself or the hospital. He explained that once bills went to collections, he had no involvement in the process, which was handled by professional agencies.

Marshall, being one of the few doctors accepting Medicaid in the region, attracted patients from other areas. Collection was only considered after nine months to a year, after which a standard agency was engaged. Marshall assured that multiple doctors and hospitals in the area adhered to similar processes.

Regarding office policy, Marshall mentioned he advised leniency for patients making efforts to pay, even if just $5 monthly. As long as there was communication and effort, collections were limited to a small fraction of unpaid bills. Once a bill left his office, Marshall distanced himself from any subsequent decisions.

As Marshall runs for re-election against the Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton, a megachurch pastor, Hamilton’s campaign spokesperson highlighted allegations of Marshall’s direct involvement in setting high-interest rates and allowing arrests and garnishments. Brody accused Marshall’s practices of affecting new and expecting mothers.

The report arrives at a crucial time, with Vice President JD Vance endorsing Marshall. Despite the controversy, Vance praised Marshall for his loyalty to President Trump’s agenda. Marshall adheres to his stance, remaining skeptical of The New York Times’ claims.

In response to the report, Marshall disregarded reading it, asserting trust in the judges involved in the cases. He emphasized the unique challenges he faced as the sole OB-GYN in his area, underscoring the demands of his profession and efforts to provide care regardless of financial burdens.