Problems Paying Medical Bills, 2018

In the United States, the percentage of all persons who were in families having problems paying medical bills decreased 5.5 percentage points from 19.7% in 2011 to 14.2% in 2018. In this same year, the percentage of persons who were in families having problems paying medical bills varied by sex, age, race and ethnicity, and health insurance status. Among persons of all ages, the percentage who were in families having problems paying medical bills was higher among females, children aged 0–17 years, and non-Hispanic black persons than among males, adults, and other racial and ethnic groups, respectively. Among persons under age 65, the percentage having problems paying medical bills was highest among those who were uninsured, followed by those who were covered with Medicaid and private health insurance. Among adults aged 65 and over, those with Medicare and Medicaid, and Medicare only had similar percentages of having problems paying medical bills; both were higher than those with Medicare Advantage and private coverage.

The full NCHS Data Brief can be downloaded below.