High-Deductible Health Plans Leave Millions of Insured Americans with Medical Debt
A significant portion of the U.S. population, estimated at about 100 million people, carries medical debt despite having health insurance coverage. Many of these insured individuals have high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), which require substantial out-of-pocket payments before insurance coverage begins. These plans have grown in prevalence over the past two decades as a cost-control measure, supported by tax advantages such as health savings accounts. However, the high deductibles and rising medical costs have made affordable care difficult for many patients.