On March 30, 2019, Tom Burke’s life was turned upside down by a car accident that left him severely injured. Despite having Medicaid, he was left with over $10,000 in medical bills, leading to financial struggles and homelessness. Medical debt is a widespread issue in North Carolina, with over 8% of consumers having unpaid medical bills on their credit reports. Nationally, 41% of adults have health care debt. Burke, now living in Missouri, believes hospitals prioritize profit over patient care. The high levels of medical debt in North Carolina, especially in certain counties, highlight the need for systemic changes in healthcare financing.
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Across North Carolina, Medical Debt Exacts a Heavy Toll
