IN OTHER NEWS – New research reveals that Georgia ranks in the top fives states with the highest percentage of citizens with medical debt.
Release:
Medical debt is a huge financial burden that affects millions of Americans, with some states experiencing higher rates than others.
New research has revealed the states with the highest percentage of citizens with medical debt, with South Dakota taking the top spot.
Personal Injury Lawyers at Whitley Law Firm analyzed the number of people in each state with medical debt as a percentage of the population to determine the states where it is most common.
Taking the top spot is South Dakota, with 17.66% of residents in debt with their medical bills. This high percentage highlights the state’s struggle with healthcare affordability and access. The state’s high medical costs and low insurance rates contribute to this.
In second place is Mississippi, with 15.23% of citizens who have medical debt. The state’s high poverty rate, as well as its limited access to affordable healthcare, means many people are left with substantial medical bills they can’t afford.
The states with the highest percentage of citizens with medical debt
Rank State % of citizens with medical debt 1 South Dakota 17.66 2 Mississippi 15.23 3 North Carolina 13.41 4 West Virginia 13.26 5 Georgia 12.74 6 Vermont 12.23 7 Tennessee 12.03 8 Indiana 11.99 9 Kentucky 11.97 10 South Carolina 11.70
Next on the list is North Carolina, at 13.41%. The state has seen rising healthcare costs, and despite efforts to expand Medicaid, many residents remain uninsured or underinsured, leaving them vulnerable to unaffordable bills when medical issues arise.
West Virginia ranks fourth, with 13.26% of people in medical debt. The state has economic struggles, such as a high child poverty rate, combined with a high prevalence of chronic health conditions. These factors could contribute to the high number of people with debt from medical bills.
Fifth is Georgia, where 12.74% of citizens have medical debt. The lack of Medicaid expansion in the state has left many low-income individuals without coverage, forcing them to incur debt to pay for necessary medical care.
On the other hand, the research also revealed the states with the lowest percentage of citizens in medical debt:
At the top of the list is Hawaii, with just 2.3% of citizens in debt with medical bills. This low percentage can be attributed to the state’s effective healthcare policies, including the Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act. This act mandates employer-provided health insurance for employees working more than 20 hours per week, ensuring widespread coverage and reducing medical debt.
California takes second place, with 3.89% of people in medical debt. The state’s expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and the implementation of Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, have significantly increased insurance coverage. On top of this, California’s efforts to control healthcare costs and provide financial assistance to low-income individuals have helped minimize medical debt.
The states with the lowest percentage of citizens with medical debt
Rank State % of citizens with medical debt 1 Hawaii 2.30 2 California 3.89 3 Massachusetts 5.11 4 Rhode Island 5.16 5 Oregon 5.18 6 North Dakota 5.65 7 New York 6.08 8 Washington 6.46 9 Pennsylvania 6.96 10 Montana 7.04
Third is Massachusetts, where 5.11% of people have medical debt. The state’s near-universal health insurance coverage, achieved through the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Act of 2006, has massively reduced the number of uninsured citizens. This extensive coverage, combined with effective cost-control measures, helps keep medical debt levels low.
With 5.16% of people in debt with medical bills, Rhode Island is fourth. Its Medicaid expansion and proactive healthcare policies ensure that more residents have access to affordable healthcare. The state’s commitment to preventive care also helps reduce the need for expensive medical interventions, therefore reducing medical debt overall.
Oregon ranks fifth, with 5.18% of people who have medical debt. The Oregon Health Plan and Medicaid expansion provide comprehensive coverage to low-income individuals. Oregon also has coordinated care organizations (CCOs), aiming to deliver better health outcomes while controlling costs, reducing the amount of medical debt.
A spokesperson from Whitley Law Firm has commented:
“Access to affordable healthcare without the risk of debt is essential for overall well-being.
“The high percentage of medical debt in states such as South Dakota and Mississippi highlight a critical need for healthcare reforms. Solutions for these states could include things like expanding Medicaid and increasing insurance coverage.
“Cost-control measures for medical services and better financial assistance programs for those in need could also help to reduce this strain.
“As the nation continues to struggle with healthcare affordability, states such as Hawaii and California set great examples of how other states can reduce medical debt and improve financial stability across the country.
This information was provided by personal injury lawyers at Whitley Law Firm.
