A recent study published in JAMA highlights disparities in how individuals address unaffordable or incorrect medical bills, emphasizing the potential for increased inequities in medical debt. Click here for article.
Educational and Insurance Disparities: Individuals without a high school diploma had a significantly lower probability (20%) of contacting billing offices compared to those with higher education (over 60%). Private insurance holders were also more proactive (68%) in disputing bills compared to the uninsured (33%) and Medicare enrollees (30%).
Impact of Disputing Bills: Those who contested their bills saw varying results: 26% achieved bill corrections, 18% gained better understanding, and 15% experienced price reductions. However, 24% reported no change.
Healthcare Affordability Issues: Many Americans struggle with healthcare costs, with half of adults finding it difficult to afford medical expenses and 25% delaying care due to costs, according to KFF.
Efforts to Mitigate Medical Debt: Federal and state initiatives are addressing medical debt issues, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s proposal to remove medical debt from credit scores and New Jersey's recent effort to forgive medical debt.
Comments