The Daily

Why So Many Hospitals Are Suing Their Patients

Dec 2, 2019
Join Sarah Kliff, an investigative reporter from The New York Times, and Amanda Sturgill, a resilient single mother from rural Virginia, as they discuss the alarming rise in hospitals suing patients over unpaid medical bills. Sarah unveils the systemic flaws in the U.S. healthcare system, while Amanda shares her personal harrowing experience with skyrocketing medical costs. Discover how one in four Americans are skipping crucial treatments due to expenses and explore potential solutions like Medicare for All.
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ANECDOTE

Amanda's Daughter's Medical Journey

  • Amanda Sturgill's daughter, Michaela, experienced debilitating back pain after a seemingly minor incident.
  • Numerous medical appointments and tests couldn't initially diagnose the issue, causing significant worry and mounting expenses.
ANECDOTE

Mounting Medical Bills

  • Following Michaela's surgery, medical bills began arriving, initially small but steadily increasing.
  • The mounting costs became a significant financial burden for Amanda, a single mother earning $12.70/hour.
ANECDOTE

Financial Strain and Sacrifice

  • Despite having what she believed to be good insurance, Amanda faced substantial co-pays and medical costs.
  • To cope, she resorted to selling belongings, skipping meals, and hiding her financial struggles from her children.
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