Illness and medical bills contribute to a large and increasing share of US bankruptcies

[geckosfeet]

This is a re-post of a link to a study on personal bankruptcy that bozita posted earlier.
Medical Bankruptcy in the United States, 2007: Results of a National Study

The authors present data that indicates that our current health care system is bankrupting Americans. My guess is that a plan based on universal coverage/a public option/guaranteed coverage/single payer, would virtually eliminate medical bankruptcies.

• 62.1% of all bankruptcies have a medical cause


• Most medical debtors were well educated and middle class; three quarters had health insurance


• The share of bankruptcies attributable to medical problems rose by 50% between 2001 and 2007

There is a segment on the 2001 study in the special features section of Micheal Moore's movie 'Sicko'.

This link is to a pdf version of the study 2007 study. It is easily printable.
Medical Bankruptcy in the United States, 2007: Results of a National Study
If you are so inclined, make a copy and drop it off at your congressional representatives local office.

If you are even more inclined, print or email many copies.

[Deja Q]

1. Like the President says, "you make your own futures".

:sarcasm:



But to be utterly real:

I really hope (yes, the H-word) that Wednesday's address is for a public option and getting this country ran on ethics and principles again. No more blind profiteering and unethical economic chicanery, which has led to the near-demise of this nation.




Note - Addendum: The quote snippet I took was regarding education. Technically it has no bearing on what he will say regarding health care reform. If it does, then it is sheer and utter coincidence.

[satya]

2. Thank you, this is exactly what I've been looking for. nt