Introduction

41% of American adults currently have medical debt, with about 20% of those individuals saying they “don’t expect to ever pay it off” (NPR). Affecting people from all walks of life, medical debt is most prevalent among racial minorities, those with multiple chronic conditions, and those living in the southern United States. Those with medical debt often cut back on food and basic necessities (63%), use most or all of their savings (48%), and/or work extra hours (40%).

While the Affordable Care Act of 2010 sought to reduce costs for consumers, the law has “also ushered in years of robust profits for the medical industry.” In total, Americans currently hold at least $220 billion in medical debt (KFF). This debt is held in various places, including in past-due bills, payment plans, collections, credit cards, or personal/family loans.

In looking toward the future and specific public policy proposals, some have advocated for the immediate forgiveness of some or all outstanding medical debt and the implementation of ‘Medicare-For-All’ legislation. Opponents to these proposals have offered concerns similar to the ongoing debate regarding student loan forgiveness – that the cost burden would then be placed on taxpayers, doing so would result in increased inflation, and that such ideas would not fix underlying issues. Many of these opponents have also offered alternative policy proposals focused on controlling the price of healthcare, better regulating hospitals and providers, reducing government bureaucracy, and minimizing the ancillary effects of medical debt.

So what should be done? This deliberation presents twelve video clips, two articles, and numerous education activities to guide students through a review of the debate over what should be done about medical debt. After a careful review of multiple perspectives, students will determine what should be done about medical debt and be presented with several optional extensions to take an active role in the debate.

Objectives and Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe key vocabulary terms and concepts associated with the debate surrounding what should be done about medical debt.
  
  
• Students will be able to identify and explain aspects of the debate regarding what should be done about medical debt, including those arguments related to debt forgiveness, health care policy, and health care costs, among others.
  
  
• Students will be able to evaluate arguments related to what should be done about medical debt and formulate an opinion on this question.