A Republican senator from Kansas, Roger Marshall, has responded to a controversial report detailing lawsuits involving his former medical practice. Marshall, who is in a tight race, claims that the report is politically motivated.
The New York Times reported on lawsuits against hundreds of patients from Marshall’s OB-GYN practice due to unpaid medical bills, leading to some arrests. Marshall attributes this report to a political attack orchestrated by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Marshall’s Background
Before entering politics, Marshall helped found the Great Bend Regional Hospital and operated his practice, Heartland Regional OB-GYN. After becoming a congressman in 2016, his practice reportedly filed over 700 lawsuits against patients with unpaid bills, charging an 18% interest rate, according to the Times.
Marshall commented that he never wanted arrests over debts and that his practice followed standard procedures for collections, involving companies outside his direct control. He pointed out that he accepted Medicaid patients who traveled from other areas for treatment.
He expressed a willingness to accept minimal payments, as long as patients were communicating and making an effort.
Election Context
Marshall is seeking reelection and faces competition from Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton, a megachurch pastor. Hamilton’s campaign has criticized Marshall over the interest rates and collection practices.
“Roger Marshall’s own lawyer said Roger Marshall specifically requested an 18% interest rate,” a spokesperson for Hamilton’s campaign stated.
Despite the controversy, Kansas remains a likely GOP stronghold. Vice President JD Vance has publicly supported Marshall, highlighting his loyalty to former President Trump.
Marshall defended his practices while questioning the Times’ report, stressing he trusted local judges more than the depiction in the article.