Medical debt upended their lives. Here's what it took from them
First, they were struck by illness and then by medical bills they couldn't pay. Here are seven stories of Americans living under the shadow of health care debt.
medical debt
What the White House's actions on medical debt could mean for consumers
The Biden administration announced new measures to ease the financial burden of high medical bills. Here's how the measures can help and what's still missing to protect patients.
Nonprofit Hospital That Sued Poor Patients Just Freed Thousands From Debt
A Memphis hospital that filed more than 8,300 lawsuits for unpaid medical bills from 2014 through 2018 is forgiving many patients' debts, after an investigation by journalists.
A Tennessee Hospital Sues Its Own Employees When They Can't Pay Their Medical Bills
A nonprofit hospital network in Memphis has taken its own workers to court over unpaid medical bills. Some of them earn as little as $12.25 an hour but still see their wages garnished.
Hospitals Earn Little From Suing For Unpaid Bills. For Patients, It Can Be 'Ruinous'
When patients can't afford to pay their medical bills, many hospitals offer a payment plan — or free or discounted care. But some try to collect by suing patients and garnishing their wages.
Mired In Medical Debt? Federal Rule Changes Proposed For Bill Collectors
More than half of Americans contacted about an overdue bill said it related to medical debt. Some consumer advocates say newly proposed limits on debt collectors don't do enough.
Medical Debt From In-Prison Injuries Is Chasing Inmates After Release
In Arizona, prisoners are being charged for medical procedures the state is supposed to pay for. The bills can ruin inmates' credit, adding to their challenges when they rejoin society.
Widowed Early, A Cancer Doctor Writes About The Harm Of Medical Debt
A decade after the death of her husband, Fumiko Chino is studying the strain that uncovered medical costs put on cancer patients, even those who have insurance.
Your ZIP Code Might Be As Important To Health As Your Genetic Code
Health care forms increasingly ask about more than just medical history. That's because doctors are beginning to understand that patients' stress, and how and where they live, influence health, too.
Credit Agencies To Ease Up On Medical Debt Reporting
Starting in September, the three main credit agencies will wait 180 days before including medical debt on a credit report, giving consumers time to resolve disputes with insurers.