For millions of Americans, healthcare isn’t just a medical issue — it’s a financial one. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs can feel insurmountable. Deductibles, co-pays, and prescription costs impact individuals and create ripple effects that impact employers, driving up absenteeism, reducing productivity and eroding employee satisfaction with their benefits.
Surprisingly, the most challenging healthcare expenses aren’t catastrophic hospital bills; they’re everyday medical costs, like routine visits and lab tests. While these expenses might seem manageable, 47% of Americans with medical debt owe less than $2,000, and two-thirds of medical debts stem from one-time or short-term expenses. Despite their size, these debts create barriers to care and financial stress that reverberate through households and workplaces.
