Healthcare debts in the United States: a silent fight.

Journal: Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)

Volume: 87

Issue: 2

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Healthy Africans Platform, Research, and Development, Ibadan, Nigeria. Brown School of Public Health, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. Greater Accra Regional Hospital, North Ridge, Ghana. School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts. School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Kinesiology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Indiana. Department of Health Research, University of Lancaster, Lancashire, UK. Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, New York. Centre for Malaria and Other Tropical Diseases, Ilorin, Nigeria. State AIDS and STI Control Program, Ministry of Health, Lafia, Nigeria. Mycetoma Research Centre, Khartoum, Sudan. Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract summary 

Healthcare debt in the United States is a significant problem, affecting millions of Americans. Many people struggle to pay for healthcare, and approximately 9% owe over $250 due to health costs. Nearly half of US adults find it difficult to afford healthcare, with uninsured individuals and those with lower incomes facing the most significant challenges. Healthcare debt in the United States is a problem with profound consequences. This debt encompasses expenses incurred for various medical services, from hospital stays and surgeries to doctor visits and medications. Healthcare debt casts a long shadow, adversely affecting physical and mental well-being and increasing stress, anxiety, and depression. Unpaid bills lead to the avoidance of necessary care, perpetuating health issues and straining the healthcare system. Beyond health implications, it affects credit history, limits access to credit facilities, and hampers employment opportunities. So, comprehensive healthcare reform emerges as a potential remedy, by expanding access to affordable health insurance, regulating healthcare costs, and addressing coverage gaps could alleviate the impact of healthcare debts. Therefore, exploring the feasibility of transitioning toward a universal healthcare system becomes crucial, offering equitable access to essential medical services and mitigating financial burdens on individuals. As healthcare debts continue to profoundly influence health, economic stability, and social well-being, a holistic approach is imperative for a healthier and economically sound future for all Americans.

Authors & Co-authors:  Aborode Abdullahi Tunde AT Oginni Oreoluwa O Abacheng Modesta M Edima Ottoho O Lamunu Emily E Folorunso Tayo Nafisat TN Oko Christian Inya CI Iretiayo Akinjo Rebecca AR Lawal Lukman L Amarachi Ruth R Badri Rawa R Bamigbade Gafar Babatunde GB Olanrewaju Omotayo Faith OF Agwuna Favour Obianuju FO Adesola Ridwan Olamilekan RO

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Levey N. Sick and struggling to pay, 100 million people in the U.S. live with medical debt 2022. Accessed May 16, 2023: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/06/16/1104679219/medical-bills-debt-investigation.
Authors :  15
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002865
SSN : 2049-0801
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
USA;health expenditure;healthcare costs;healthcare debt;healthcare financial burden;out-of-pocket expenses
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
England