Millions of Americans crippled by medical debt despite relief efforts
Summary
Millions of Americans owe medical debt, driven by high healthcare costs, lack of insurance, and large out-of-pocket bills even for some insured patients. Nonprofits and government programs have erased or reduced some debt, but advocates describe that help as a stopgap that does not address the underlying cost of care.Key Facts
- KFF estimated that Americans owed at least $220 billion in medical debt in 2024.
- About 14 million people owed more than $1,000, and 3 million owed more than $10,000.
- A 2024 study found that 21% of U.S. households had a past-due medical bill.
- Undue Medical Debt says it has provided $53.3 billion in debt relief, about half of it this year.
- Undue Medical Debt says a $1 donation erases about $100 in medical debt and eligibility is based on income or debt relative to income.
- Dollar For says it has provided more than $117 million in medical debt assistance.
- Illinois provided Undue Medical Debt $10 million, which the organization used to provide more than $1.1 billion in relief for state residents.
- New York’s Fair Medical Debt Reporting Act bars hospitals and providers from reporting patients’ medical debt to consumer reporting agencies.
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