The Devastating Link Between Medical Debt and Homelessness

Medical debt is threatening the housing security of millions of Americans, with many unable to rent apartments or obtain mortgages due to poor credit scores resulting from unpaid medical bills. The high cost of healthcare and rising housing prices have created a crisis in cities like Denver, where homelessness rates have surged. Medical debt can lead to a downward spiral, as patients struggle to keep up with payments and may be denied further care. Stable housing is crucial for overall well-being, and some medical systems are investing in affordable housing to address social determinants of health. Efforts are being made at the state and federal levels to protect patients from the negative impact of medical debt on their credit scores.