A report from the Urban Institute suggests that living in a community with consolidated hospitals could increase the likelihood of individuals incurring medical debt, as hospitals often raise prices when they gain market power. Factors such as uninsured residents and chronic illnesses also contribute to medical debt. While the American Hospital Association criticized the report for not considering other factors like high-deductible health plans, the authors suggest that limiting hospital consolidation could help reduce medical debt. This research highlights the impact of market power in the healthcare industry on individuals’ financial well-being and calls for policymakers to address this significant issue.
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As Hospitals Get Bigger, Medical Debt Is Harder for Patients To Shake
