A new national study sponsored by Undue Medical Debt paints a clear picture for revenue cycle leaders and collections professionals: healthcare is widely viewed as unaffordable, medical debt is common, and voters across party lines support stronger state protections.
Seven in ten voters say healthcare is not affordable today, a view shared by Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. Nearly half report struggling to afford routine medical costs such as dental care and deductibles. More than one third currently owe money due to medical or dental expenses. More than half worry about going into debt when they access care, and a substantial share report skipping or delaying care, missing follow-ups, or experiencing pain because of cost concerns. Mental stress and anxiety rank as the hardest part of having medical debt.
Trust and blame are also decisive. Voters trust clinicians and hospitals more than other actors, yet most blame health insurance companies for medical debt. Two-thirds are not satisfied with the current insurance system and three quarters believe the country needs a different approach that does not tie coverage to employment. A strong majority say insurance should protect people from medical debt, but most also believe insurance is failing to do so.
For policy, three quarters of voters want their state to pass laws that protect people from medical debt, with majorities in every party. Some of the most popular proposals include limiting interest rates on medical debt, curbing the ability to take property to satisfy medical bills, requiring a single user-friendly financial assistance application across hospitals, banning medical debt from credit reports, and setting limits on how much patients must repay each year. Many voters say they would view state officials more favorably and be more likely to vote for them if these laws pass.
What this means for the credit and collection ecosystem: anticipate continued state-level action that reshapes credit reporting, wage garnishment, interest assessment, and financial assistance workflows. Collection strategies that prioritize early financial screening, clear communication about who is pursuing a balance, and flexible repayment options will better align with voter sentiment and potential new laws. Aligning operations with patient-friendly policies is not only a compliance hedge, it is an emerging consumer expectation.
