You Shouldn’t Have to Go Bankrupt to Afford Healthcare. But If You Do, Here’s How to Do It Right

Health insurance premiums, deductibles, co-pays all add up fast and have left millions of Americans in serious crisis. If you need bankruptcy to cover healthcare, it’s a sign the system is broken.

Even when you do have insurance, one trip to the emergency room or a sudden diagnosis can leave you with thousands of dollars in medical bills. It’s not fair, but for so many of us, it’s reality.

If you’re drowning in medical debt, please know this: you’re not alone, and you have options. And while bankruptcy might feel like a last resort, in many cases it’s actually the smartest way to protect yourself, your family, and your future.

Why Medical Debt Is Still a Problem, Even With Insurance

You might be thinking, “I did everything right. I had a job. I had insurance. Why am I in this position?”

The truth is, insurance doesn’t cover as much as it used to. Many plans come with:

  • High deductibles, so you pay thousands before coverage kicks in
  • Limited networks, which means specialists may be out-of-network
  • Surprise bills for things like anesthesia or lab work

And with subsidies limited and running out, countless American families are left wondering how to afford it all.

If you’ve tried to pay your bills and just can’t keep up, bankruptcy can give you a fresh start without years of collection calls, wage garnishment, or lawsuits.

What Kinds of Medical Debt Can Bankruptcy Help With?

Most medical debt is considered unsecured debt. That means it isn’t tied to your property, like a car or house would be. It’s treated more like credit card debt. And as a result, it can usually be erased in bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy may help you get rid of debt related to:

  • Hospital and ER bills
  • Doctor visits and urgent care charges
  • Lab tests and imaging (like MRIs)
  • Medical equipment or physical therapy
  • Past-due dental or vision bills
  • Charges that insurance didn’t cover

If you’re in a position where you really can’t cover these costs, you do have options before trying bankruptcy. But many people find at the end of those options, the debt is still just too high.

Which Type of Bankruptcy Is Right for You?

If you’re thinking about bankruptcy and looking into your options, you’ll find two main types to consider:

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

This option wipes out most of your unsecured debt, like medical bills and credit cards.

It’s a quick process – usually done in 4 to 6 months.

In order to qualify, you have to pass a “means test” based on your income. You’ll also want to consider with your attorney how it might affect your assets, like a car or home.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

In Chapter 13, your attorney works with the court to create a 3-to-5 year repayment plan based on what you can afford.

Along with all your unsecured debt, it can help you catch up on mortgage or car payments too. It puts an automatic stop to repossession and foreclosure. So it’s a good option if you don’t qualify for Chapter 7 or want to protect more property.

Both options handle medical debt, stop collection calls, and stop any wage garnishments.

I can help you figure out which one fits your situation and walk you through the process step-by-step.

What About the Shame?

I talk to a lot of good people who feel embarrassed about needing help. A lot of times the rhetoric suggests you should have somehow done the impossible to save up for astronomical bills almost no one could afford.

But you didn’t cause the healthcare system to be broken. You didn’t ask for an injury or a chronic illness. You didn’t design the high-deductible plans with hidden loopholes that have put so many people in your exact position.

Bankruptcy isn’t a failure. It’s a tool designed by law to help people get through hard times. And if you’re in a deep hole, using that tool to climb out isn’t something to be ashamed of.

Let’s Talk About What’s Next

If medical bills and collection letters are keeping you up at night, you deserve some peace. And if you’re tired of trying to figure it all out alone, you deserve real, lasting support.

That’s where we come in. Our award-winning lawyers will help you understand your options, choose the right path, and protect your future. If bankruptcy is right for you, we’ll make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Call today or contact us online for a free consultation, and let’s get you the fresh start you need.