The $2.4k Medical Bill I Didn't See Coming
The Hidden Burden of Medical Debt and How It Impacts Black Women's Health
A few months ago, I received unsettling news: I had the MYBPC3 gene mutation. According to Tudurachi et al. (2023), the MYBPC3 gene can lead to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most prevalent genetically inherited cardiomyopathy. For this reason, I was greatly concerned about adding another health condition to the alphabet soup of chronic diseases. After consulting with my healthcare team, we decided that, given my family health history, I should undergo an EKG and echocardiogram as a preventive measure. Thankfully, both tests confirmed that my heart was in good condition. With health insurance, I assumed my concerns were behind me.
However, a $2,468 medical bill soon reminded me otherwise.
As I navigate this potential miscommunication between my insurance company and healthcare provider, I am reminded of the immense burden of medical debt in the United States. According to Rakshit et al. (2024), Americans owe a staggering $220 billion in medical debt, with 14 million people (6% of adults) owing over $1,000 and 3 million people (1% of adults) owing more than $10,000.
Most alarmingly, Black Americans are disproportionately affected, with 13% reporting medical debt compared to 8% of White and 3% of Asian Americans. This disparity exacerbates mistrust in the healthcare system among Black populations, who already face significant barriers to accessing equitable care.
There is a systemic issue when such a significant portion of our population is burdened by medical debt. This debt affects physical health, mental well-being, and financial stability. For Black Americans, who are more likely to experience medical debt, this can lead to adverse health outcomes and economic hardship. As healthcare professionals, it's our responsibility to critically evaluate how we can alleviate, if not eliminate, this burden.
5 Key Lessons to Address Medical Debt for Healthcare Professionals
1. Improve Communication and Transparency
Having clear communication between patients, providers, and insurance companies is crucial. Patients should be well-informed about potential costs and the steps needed to ensure coverage. Transparent billing practices can prevent misunderstandings and help patients manage their medical expenses more effectively.
2. Advocate for Policy Changes
The significant role that healthcare organizations can play in advocating for policy changes that reduce the burden of medical debt cannot be dismissed. This includes supporting legislation that caps out-of-pocket expenses, improves insurance coverage, and provides financial assistance programs for those in need.
3. Provide Financial Counseling Services
Offering financial counseling services can help patients navigate medical billing and insurance claims with confidence. These services can educate patients on their rights and available resources, ultimately reducing the incidence of medical debt.
4. Foster Community Partnerships
Partnering with community organizations can enhance outreach and support efforts. These partnerships can provide additional resources and advocacy, ensuring marginalized populations receive the necessary care and assistance.
5. Invest in Preventive Care
Preventive care is a cost-effective way to reduce long-term healthcare expenses. Investing in preventive measures and early intervention can reduce the likelihood of severe health conditions that increase medical bills.
Therefore, healthcare organizations must become more proactive in addressing the burden of medical debt. By improving communication, advocating for policy changes, providing financial counseling, fostering community partnerships, and investing in preventive care, we can make significant strides toward equitable healthcare for all.
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To further understand the systemic issues contributing to health disparities, I recommend "Metaracism: How Systemic Racism Devastates Black Lives―and How We Break Free" by Tricia Rose. This book provides deep insights into how systemic racism impacts Black lives, including in healthcare.
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Warm regards,
Tomesha Campbell
Founder and Chief Education Officer
Enhance Black Women's Health
References
Rakshit, S., Rae, M., Claxton, G., Amin, K., & Cox, C. (2024, February 12). The Burden of Medical Debt in the United States. KFF. https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/the-burden-of-medical-debt-in-the-united-states/
Tudurachi, B. S., Zăvoi, A., Leonte, A., Țăpoi, L., Ureche, C., Bîrgoan, S. G., Chiuariu, T., Anghel, L., Radu, R., Sascău, R. A., & Stătescu, C. (2023). An Update on MYBPC3 Gene Mutation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(13), 10510. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241310510
Thanks for this and for the boom recommendation.
Two questions: what is the real driver behind astronomical Healthcare costs? Insurance companies? The cost of Healthcare equipment? A variety of factors?
And have any studies been done on Healthcare disparities in other countries? I'm wondering if a national system, such as in Canada or the UK, cuts down on this.
Thanks! Will check those out. 🙏🏻