Urban Institute: Hospitals Drive Most U.S. Medical Debt
An Oct. 6 Urban Institute report, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, finds hospitals are the leading source of medical debt, with 52% of adults carrying such debt owing money for hospital services. The analysis draws on December 2025 survey data from more than 10,000 adults, finding 26.6% of U.S. adults report medical debt, with higher rates among uninsured adults, those in fair or poor health, people with disabilities, and Black and Hispanic adults. Insurance offered only partial protection: 25.7% of insured adults reported medical debt versus 35.2% of uninsured adults, and even 17.6% of adults 65 and older with Medicare reported debt. A researcher noted future tracking is needed as policies restricting Medicaid and Marketplace coverage take effect.