One-third of insured Americans carry medical debt, Commonwealth Fund report shows

The short version

• A Commonwealth Fund study found that one in three insured Americans is paying off medical debt, according to CBS News.[CBS News]
• Nearly half of respondents with debt owe at least $2,000, while hospital visits were reported as the primary source of debt.[CBS News]
• To manage debt, 37% depleted savings and 30% reduced spending on essentials or delayed necessary medical care.[CBS News]

Key facts

• The Commonwealth Fund survey examined a nationally representative sample of 6,353 adults.[CBS News]
• Nearly half of respondents with medical debt owe at least $2,000, representing 15% of working-age, privately insured adults.[CBS News]
• Hospital care serves as the main source of medical debt, though routine visits and diagnostic tests also contribute.[CBS News]
• Thirty-seven percent of respondents with medical debt reported exhausting savings, while 30% cut spending on basics like food, heat, or rent.[CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• 1 in 3 Americans with health insurance have medical debt, survey findsCBS News - Health