The Affordable Care Act and Bankruptcy
Medical expenses are one of the most common contributing factors of individuals filing for bankruptcy, and the number continues to grow. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more people will be insured but it will not completely solve this problem. The ACA’s reforms will indeed give more coverage, but data still shows that millions of people with existing full coverage are still overwhelmed by medical bills. Further, people will be forced to buy a health-care plan that will cost them a considerable amount of money, and it will not protect them from bankruptcy.
Many people have no choice but to drain their savings and max out their credit cards to pay their medical bills. Even worse, some go as far to cut back on their prescription medication. Time will ultimately tell if the ACA will be a step in the right direction.
If you currently have medical debts and will be adding more due to various reasons such as surgery, hospital visits, medicine, etc. , it might be in your best interest to delay filing for bankruptcy. Medical debt is only dischargeable before you have filed, and any medical debt acquired after the petition will not be discharged.
Be sure to contact a qualified Phoenix Bankruptcy Attorney if you find yourself in such a situation.
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