GREAT BEND, KANSAS — Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall and his former medical practice were sued Thursday in a proposed class action alleging they charged patients an unlawful 18% annual interest rate on unpaid medical bills.
The lawsuit, filed in Barton County District Court, accuses Marshall and Heartland Regional OBGYN of violating Kansas usury law by routinely charging interest above the state’s statutory limit. Kansas law generally caps contractual interest at 15% annually unless another law specifically authorizes a higher rate.
Lead plaintiff Meischa Zimmerman alleges Marshall’s practice sued her over a $3,596 bill related to the delivery of her child and added 18% annual interest. According to the complaint, subsequent debt-collection proceedings led to her arrest three times after she missed court appearances. The allegations have not yet been adjudicated.
The lawsuit follows earlier reporting that Marshall’s practice filed roughly 700 debt-collection lawsuits against former patients. A Kansas City Star review cited by the complaint found Marshall’s 18% rate was higher than rates used by approximately 150 other medical practices whose records were examined.
Plaintiffs are seeking class-action status, restitution and damages. Marshall declined to comment directly when contacted by Kansas Reflector, referring questions to his staff.
The filing comes days before Marshall faces Democrat Adam Hamilton in Kansas’ Nov. 3 Senate election, where Marshall’s previous medical-debt collection practices have become a major campaign issue.
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