The New York Times recently published a report concerning Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., detailing lawsuits filed against patients of his former OB-GYN practice. Marshall branded the publication as a politically motivated effort, suggesting Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was involved.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Marshall expressed dismay at the narrative presented in the report, likening it to tabloid journalism. He emphasized his belief that Kansans will see the report as a political maneuver.
Marshall previously served at the Great Bend Regional Hospital, where he helped establish the Heartland Regional OB-GYN practice before entering Congress in 2016. According to the report, from that period, his practice filed lawsuits against over 700 patients over unpaid medical bills, with some cases resulting in arrests.
Among these, 81 patients were reportedly arrested for missing related court appointments.
“I would never want anyone to be arrested for owing money to me or the hospital,” Marshall said. He described the arrest cases as follow-up actions by collection agencies once accounts reached that stage.
Marshall explained this was part of standard industry practices, highlighting that his practice was one of the few in the area accepting Medicaid, prompting patient travel from other cities. Collection agencies were called in typically nine months to a year after missed payments.
Marshall assured those who were making any effort to pay were not sent to collections, underscoring that only a small fraction reached that stage. Once in collections, his office had no further involvement.
As Sen. Marshall campaigns for a second term, the article arrives in a contested race against Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton. Hamilton’s campaign, through spokesperson Tyson Brody, used the report to criticize Marshall, labeling his practices as financially burdensome on new and expecting mothers.
Hamilton is the senior pastor of the largest United Methodist congregation and challenges Marshall heavily on this issue. Accusations from the Hamilton camp include Marshall allegedly instructing lawyers to charge an 18% interest rate and seeking warrants for patient debts.
Sen. Marshall disputed the validity of some claims from the report, stating they were mischaracterizations of the judicial and debt collection processes. He remained confident in the soundness of his office’s policies, dismissing the Times’ portrayal.
Despite debate fallout, figures like Vice President JD Vance have rallied to support Marshall, emphasizing his support for former President Donald Trump’s policies.
Marshall’s defense includes his extensive medical service history and charity care provided to patients throughout his career. He conveys a strong rebuttal to the Times’ report, questioning its accuracy and intent.