One in three insured Americans have medical debt

The Commonwealth Fund found that one in three Americans with employer, marketplace or private health insurance carry medical debt they pay off over time.

Hospital visits drive most medical debt

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults report carrying debt from hospital visits. Routine care like doctor visits and lab tests also create debt.

Insurance doesn't cover enough costs

Sara Collins, lead author at the Commonwealth Fund, says the main reason is how little insurance covers out-of-pocket costs for patients.

“The primary reason why these people have debt is about the extent to which their insurance covers their out-of-pocket costs.”

Half owe at least two thousand dollars

Almost half of those with medical debt, about fifteen percent of all working-age privately insured adults, owe at least two thousand dollars.

Families cut essentials to pay bills

Thirty-seven percent drained savings to pay medical bills. Thirty percent cut back on food, heat or rent. Thirty percent delayed or skipped medical care.

Patients can dispute bills and negotiate

Collins advises checking bills for errors and disputing them. When coverage is denied, patients can contact insurers and providers to negotiate lower payment plans.

“It's a tough situation to be in, but it's important to make sure what you are being asked to pay is correct.”