Medical debt across the U.S. is associated with worse physical and mental health, and even premature death.

As health care costs continue to rise nationwide, affording medical care remains a significant and enduring challenge for millions of Americans. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care spending reached $4.5 trillion in 2022 – roughly $13,5000 per person. Of that, out-of-pocket spending accounted for $471.4 billion.