Jeff King was recovering from an unexpected procedure to fix his irregular heart rhythm when he received shocking news. The hospital had given him a $160,000 (£119,000) bill for the treatment. King, a former pastor, did not have standard health insurance from his employer, only a cost-sharing alternative plan that said it would not cover the procedure.
It was pretty traumatic, said the 66-year-old from Lawrence, Kansas. Who knew that less than a one-day procedure in and out of the hospital could destroy us financially?
King is one of around 100 million people - or about 40% of Americans - who are estimated to struggle to pay off their medical and dental healthcare debt. The healthcare company King was a member of has previously said it's important that members understand its cost-sharing model and membership guidelines.
The US has one of the most expensive health systems in the world, with spending on health care estimated to reach $5.9tn (£4.3tn) in 2026. Yet, despite spending twice as much per capita on healthcare compared to wealthy nations, the US boasts a lower life expectancy than these nations.
As costs continue to grow, so do Americans' frustrations with the US healthcare system. The recent murder of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson by a gunman raised eyebrows as many perceived it as a radical response to the frustrations over the system.
The healthcare reforms proposed by President Donald Trump in his 'Great Healthcare Plan', which include direct financial assistance for citizens, face criticism for lack of detail. Experts argue the plan does not address the root causes of the issue, contributing to ongoing healthcare challenges in the US.
For many like King, dealing with extensive medical bills can lead to life-altering financial distress. Health insurance costs are expected to rise significantly, impacting even more Americans.
Despite widespread acceptance that the US healthcare system is in dire need of reform, meaningful solutions remain elusive due to entrenched political divides and a lack of consensus on the right path forward.
It was pretty traumatic, said the 66-year-old from Lawrence, Kansas. Who knew that less than a one-day procedure in and out of the hospital could destroy us financially?
King is one of around 100 million people - or about 40% of Americans - who are estimated to struggle to pay off their medical and dental healthcare debt. The healthcare company King was a member of has previously said it's important that members understand its cost-sharing model and membership guidelines.
The US has one of the most expensive health systems in the world, with spending on health care estimated to reach $5.9tn (£4.3tn) in 2026. Yet, despite spending twice as much per capita on healthcare compared to wealthy nations, the US boasts a lower life expectancy than these nations.
As costs continue to grow, so do Americans' frustrations with the US healthcare system. The recent murder of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson by a gunman raised eyebrows as many perceived it as a radical response to the frustrations over the system.
The healthcare reforms proposed by President Donald Trump in his 'Great Healthcare Plan', which include direct financial assistance for citizens, face criticism for lack of detail. Experts argue the plan does not address the root causes of the issue, contributing to ongoing healthcare challenges in the US.
For many like King, dealing with extensive medical bills can lead to life-altering financial distress. Health insurance costs are expected to rise significantly, impacting even more Americans.
Despite widespread acceptance that the US healthcare system is in dire need of reform, meaningful solutions remain elusive due to entrenched political divides and a lack of consensus on the right path forward.
