Medical debt relief options are available for people who are struggling

Medical debt can build quickly and is a common factor in bankruptcy; nonprofit programs such as debt management plans and hospital financial assistance applications helped one family resolve their balance.

Medical debt can accumulate quickly, even for people with insurance. Nonprofit groups offer several forms of relief, such as debt management plans and help applying for hospital financial assistance. Brenda Folska-Mercil faced growing medical bills after surgery and medication costs and later used a debt management plan through Money Management International to pay off what she owed. The article reports medical debt makes up about 14% of consumer debt in Minnesota and remains a leading cause of bankruptcy. Key points: - Medical bills can create financial emergencies and increase stress, as described by people featured in the story. - Nonprofits mentioned include Money Management International, which helped a person enroll in a debt management plan, and Dollar For, which assists with hospital financial assistance applications. - Dollar For founder Jared Walker said many hospitals have financial assistance or charity care policies that may reduce or, in some cases, forgive bills for people within certain income ranges. - The article reports medical debt accounts for about 14% of consumer debt in Minnesota and is still a leading cause of bankruptcy. Summary: The reported impact is that medical bills can push families toward extreme measures and contribute significantly to consumer debt and bankruptcy. Nonprofits and hospital charity programs are presented as existing avenues people used to resolve debts. Undetermined at this time.