Nearly One-Third of U.S. Adults With Private Insurance Report Medical Debt
A survey conducted in the United States has found that nearly one-third of adults aged 19-64 with private health insurance are experiencing unpaid medical bills or medical debt. This situation often arises from routine care and high deductibles, with rising…
Baltimore, MD, September 17, 2026 —
A recent survey conducted in the United States indicates a significant financial burden for a substantial portion of the adult population. The findings reveal that nearly one-third of adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who possess private health insurance are currently dealing with unpaid medical bills or medical debt.
This widespread issue appears to stem from various factors, frequently linked to the costs associated with routine medical care. High deductibles, a common feature in many private health insurance plans, are also cited as a significant contributor to patients accumulating debt even when they have coverage.
Experts suggest that the rising overall healthcare costs in the U.S. could be exacerbating this trend. Furthermore, shifts in insurance affordability may also play a role in the increasing prevalence of medical debt among those with private plans. The survey did not specify the names of the insurance providers or the exact amounts of debt reported by individuals.
The findings highlight a challenge faced by many individuals who are employed and insured, indicating that having private health insurance does not always shield individuals from substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses that can lead to debt.
Details regarding the methodology of the survey, including the specific number of participants and the exact timeframe of the data collection, were not provided in the summary of the trend.
Story summarized from the original created by Alana Semuels on time.com, see more information here.
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