# Health insurance doesn't stop medical debt

> Nearly a third of insured Americans carry unpaid medical bills, forcing many to cut back on food and rent.
- Title: Health insurance doesn't stop medical debt · TIME | Shortify
- Summary: Nearly a third of insured Americans carry unpaid medical bills, forcing many to cut back on food and rent. Having health insurance doesn't guarantee…
- Keywords: health insurance, medical debt, commonwealth fund, sara r. collins, deductibles, affordable care act, credit scores, consumer financial protection bureau, trump administration, healthcare costs, Health, insurance
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/09/17/having-health-insurance-doesnt-prevent-medical-debt
- Author: Alana Semuels
- Published: 2026-09-17T04:01:03.305+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: health insurance, medical debt, commonwealth fund, sara r. collins, deductibles, affordable care act, credit scores, consumer financial protection bureau, trump administration, healthcare costs
## Insurance doesn't prevent debt
Nearly one third of adults with private insurance have unpaid medical bills or medical debt. Nearly half owe $2,000 or more.
## Routine care causes the problem
Medical debt often comes from doctor visits and chronic condition treatment, not just emergencies. High deductibles and bills that build up over time are common sources.

> Medical-debt issues often stem from routine care, including doctor's office visits and treatment for chronic conditions.
## Costs are rising fast
Health benefits per employee will rise 8.2% in 2027, the highest increase since 2003. Some employers may shift more costs to workers.
## People sacrifice basic needs
30% of respondents cut back on food, heat, or rent to afford health care. 37% of those with debt used part or all of their savings to pay bills.
## Debt creates a vicious cycle
People with medical debt often avoid seeking more care, leading to emergency services later. This costs everyone more in the long run.
## Credit score protections stalled
Fifteen states limit medical debt in lending decisions. A federal rule to keep it off credit reports was vacated in July 2025 after Trump took office.

> There is a huge fear among people in our focus groups of having their credit scores ruined by medical debt.
## Key takeaway

Having health insurance doesn't guarantee protection from medical debt, even for routine care.