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1/4 of American Families Overwhelmed by Medical Expenses
Nearly 27% of Americans faced overwhelming medical bills or skipped care, with low-income and chronically ill groups at highest risk, study finds.
- Researchers found nearly 27% of U.S. residents faced high medical costs or skipped care between 2018 and 2022, with the share rising from about 12% after one year.
- Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, researchers tracked data and measured three standard markers, warning that affordability concerns are increasing.
- People with incomes below 200% of the poverty line — $64,300 for a family of four — were nearly nine times more likely to incur catastrophic costs, and 53% of those who died had overwhelming bills.
- High costs forced many to skip care, and Dr. Adam Gaffney said risks rise over study follow-up periods from one-year to four-year as health worsens.
- Researchers cautioned that affordability may worsen as enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire, while study authors urged national health insurance as a remedy.
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24 Articles
24 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Left, 36% Center
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources are Center
37% Left
L 37%
C 36%
R 27%
Factuality
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