Aimee Carlock's medical debt

Aimee Carlock borrowed $5,500 from family to pay for uterine surgery at Texas Health Resources, which later wiped out her bill under financial aid policy.

“I panicked because I live paycheck to paycheck”

Texas hospitals bill before screening

Nearly half of Texas nonprofit hospitals bill patients before screening for financial aid, with most not offering refunds.

Presumptive eligibility policy

Hospitals use presumptive eligibility to automatically screen patients for financial aid, but few states require it.

Becca Wahl's emergency bill

Becca Wahl received a $38,000 emergency room bill after fainting, unaware she qualified for financial aid.

“I thought, 'I'm doomed'”

Texas hospital policies

Most Texas hospitals screen patients before sending bills, but 41% do not offer refunds to patients who qualify for free care.

Medical debt impact

Patients with medical debt are three to four times more likely to delay future health care than those without debt.

Texas hospital tax breaks

Texas requires nonprofit hospitals to spend at least 4% of annual patient revenue on charity care to maintain tax exemptions.

State legislation push

Texas state representative Tom Oliverson proposed legislation to require hospitals to screen low-income patients for financial aid.

Oregon's approach

Oregon requires hospitals to screen patients for financial aid before sending bills, increasing charity care by over 50% in the first year.

Refund policies

Roughly two-thirds of Texas hospitals do not refund patients who qualify for financial aid after paying upfront.

Medical debt statistics

An estimated 100 million adults in the U.S. have health care debt, including amounts owed to hospitals and doctors.

Hospital financial incentives

Hospitals want to help patients but face pressure to keep costs low, as insurers raise deductibles to $2,000-$4,00 as a result.

Texas hospital exemptions

Hospitals that care for more low-income patients may be exempt from Texas' proposed financial aid screening requirements.

State policy changes

By July 2027, six states will require hospitals to use presumptive eligibility for certain patients to reduce medical debt.

Medical debt consequences

Patients with medical debt are three to four times more likely to delay future health care than those without debt.

Texas hospital tax exemptions

Texas requires nonprofit hospitals to spend at least 4% of annual patient revenue on charity care to maintain tax exemptions.