By the end of 2020, consumers will have racked up an estimated $115 billion in outstanding medical debt.
Accessing and paying for health care was a complicated enough process before the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. In response to the pandemic, waves of legislation and policy updates by insurers and health care systems have changed what is covered and how from one day to the next, further adding to the confusion for patients.
In the aftermath of the pandemic, consumers who had thought they would be shielded from the costs for testing and treatment might find themselves with unexpected bills for related services. Others will know the bills are coming but simply have no way to pay for them, as furloughs and job cuts take their toll on household budgets.
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Emily Payne
Emily Payne is director, content analytics for ALM's Business & Finance Markets and former managing editor for BenefitsPRO. A Wisconsin native, she has spent the past decade writing and editing for various athletic and fitness publications. She holds an English degree and Business certificate from the University of Wisconsin.
