By Daniella Genovese
September 3, 2020
Half of Americans harbor concerns that a major health event could lead to bankruptcy, according to a new poll from Gallup.
The data, based on a new study by West Health and Gallup, reflects an increase from 45% of Americans who feared being crippled by medical bills in early 2019 prior to when the coronavirus pandemic had gripped the world.
CORONAVIRUS PATIENTS COULD FACE HEFTY HOSPITAL BILLS EVEN WITH INSURANCE
Over the past year, concerns among adults aged 18-29 and 30-49 rose 12 percentage points and nine percentage points, respectively, according to the survey. Now, 55% of both age groups admit to being “extremely concerned or concerned” that a health event would leave them in a financially precarious position. Roughly 49% of men fear going bankrupt, matching concerns among women at 51%.
Amid rising concerns over bankruptcy, 15% of adults say they have at least one person in their household suffering from medical debt that will not be fully repaid within the next 12 months.