Senators grapple with Americans’ medical debt problems

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Senators on Capitol Hill are worried about the stranglehold medical debt has on millions of Americans.

“Punished financially. For what crime? So, you’re diagnosed with cancer? That should not be happening,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said.

Sanders held a hearing to figure out what Congress can do to end the medical debt crisis in the country. He says more than 60% of people with health insurance have racked up medical debt.

“You run the risk of destroying the financial stability of your family. Is that really where we are as a nation?” Sanders asked.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) agree, the last thing people should worry about is medical debt.

“The medical debt is a symptom of a larger problem, the high cost of health care,” Cassidy said.

“The reason we have medical debt is because it costs too much in the first place,” Braun said.

Experts told lawmakers this issue should not be happening in a country with as much wealth as the United States.

“Is there any other country in the world where that takes place?” Sanders asked.

“No, not in the rich world. Countries as rich or close to as rich as the United States do not see this level of catastrophic health expenditure. Not even close,” Dr. Luke Messac replied.

Also of concern, debt collectors who harass people burdened by their debts.

Lawmakers promised to bring reforms to relieve the financial pressure on Americans.

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