Missouri medical providers not garnishing tax refunds

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A 2007 Missouri law allows hospitals and other medical providers to seek to garnish the tax refunds of people with overdue medical bills.

But so far, no one has tried to use the law.

The Missouri Department of Revenue says it has not offset anyone's tax refunds because of medical bills.

The law required medical providers seeking to recoup overdue bills to submit a claim to the Department of Health and Senior Services, which would certify it to the Revenue Department.

The health department says it has received fewer than 10 inquiries about collecting medical debts. But no health care providers have made a formal submission to recover the debt.