Started on staff: 1986-1991; 2020
B.A., magna cum laude, Boston College; J.D., high honors, George Washington University Law School
Patricia directs the health care campaign work for U.S. PIRG and provides support to our state offices for state-based health initiatives. Her prior roles include senior policy advisor at NJ Health Care Quality Institute, associate state director at AARP New Jersey and consumer advocate at NJPIRG. She was appointed to the Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee in 2022 and works with patient advocates across the U.S. Patricia enjoys walking along the Potomac River and sharing her love of books with friends and family around the world.
How to make sure your credit reports don’t include medical debt under $500 or already paid off
Medical debt, even when it is paid off, used to remain on credit reports for up to seven years. Now medical debt under $500 or medical debt you have already paid are removed from credit reports. Here's how to make sure paid medical debt doesn't lower your credit score.
Patient Guide: Surprise medical billing protections you can use now
As of January 1, 2022, insured patients are protected from out-of-network balance bills, also known as surprise bills. PIRG explains your new protections.