What can potentially lead to a higher rate of medical debt among patients?

High deductible health plans can contribute to a higher rate of medical debt among patients due to the significant out-of-pocket costs that are often required before insurance coverage kicks in. These plans typically require patients to pay a substantial deductible before their insurance begins to cover medical expenses. This means that even for routine care or unexpected medical events, patients may find themselves facing large bills that they need to pay upfront.

Since many individuals may not have sufficient savings to cover these high deductibles, they may resort to credit cards, loans, or other means to pay for care, leading to increased financial strain and potential medical debt. In contrast, fully covered health insurance plans, integrated healthcare systems, and preventive care programs typically aim to minimize out-of-pocket expenses and encourage regular healthcare use, which can help to alleviate the burden of medical debt rather than contribute to it.