Noam N. Levey

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Kayce Atencio, who has been shadowed by medical debt for most of his adult life, had been unable to rent an apartment because of poor credit due to medical debt, he said. Recent reporting changes by credit rating agencies have removed many debts from consumer credit reports and lifted scores for millions, a new study finds. | RACHEL WOOLF/KFF HEALTH NEWS

Medical debt is disappearing from Americans’ credit reports, lifting scores

As of August, just 5% of adults with a credit report had a medical debt on their report, down from almost 14% two years earlier, a new analysis has found

Nov 2, 2023

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Biden administration to ban medical debt from Americans’ credit scores

Credit reporting, a threat designed to induce patients to pay their bills, is the most common collection tactic used by hospitals

Sep 26, 2023

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Kristie Fields, a cancer patient, was advised by a nurse to go on the local news and ask for help with her medical bills. Fields says she and her husband quickly dismissed the idea, concerned about stereotypes about Black people seeking aid. | SONJA FOSTER/KFF HEALTH NEWS

‘We’re not doing that’: Why a Black couple wouldn’t crowdfund to pay off medical debts

Black Americans use GoFundMe far less than white Americans, studies show, and those who do typically bring in less money.

Jun 27, 2023

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SHUTTERSTOCK

International rights group calls out US for allowing hospitals to push millions into debt

Despite efforts in states like Oregon, patient and consumer advocates say stronger federal action is needed

Jun 20, 2023

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DAVID ZIPPRICH, A FORT WORTH FINANCIAL CONSULTANT AND GRANDFATHER, WAS FORCED OUT OF RETIREMENT AFTER HOSPITALIZATIONS LEFT HIM OWING MORE THAN $200,000./LAURA BUCKMAN FOR KHN AND NPR.

Some Hospitals Rake In Profits While Their Patients Are Loaded With Medical Debt

Many hospitals have grown wealthy while patients are squeezed by skyrocketing medical prices and rising deductibles.

Sep 29, 2022

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Dr. Paula Bednarek works at her computer in the Planned Parenthood Northeast Portland Health Center. | BROOKE HERBERT/THE OREGONIAN/OREGONLIVE

COVID Was A Tipping Point for Telehealth. If Some Have Their Way, Virtual Visits Are Here to Stay.

Health industry leaders are pushing Congress and the Biden administration to preserve the pandemic-fueled expansion of telehealth that has transformed how millions of Americans see the doctor.

Jun 7, 2021

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Democrats Gave Americans a Big Boost Buying Health Insurance. It Didn’t Come Cheap.

Mar 24, 2021