A new analysis from the Commonwealth Fund, a nonpartisan health policy research group, reveals that one in three Americans with health insurance still face medical debt. The study, based on a survey of 6,353 adults, found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults have medical debt tied to hospital visits. This debt also comes from routine care, such as visits to a doctor’s office or lab tests. Sara Collins, the study’s lead author and a health economist at the Commonwealth Fund, explained that the main reason for this debt is the high out-of-pocket costs that insurance plans often require. Most Americans don’t have extra money to cover these expenses, and unexpected medical bills can lead to debt that’s difficult to manage. For low-income individuals, medical bills can force tough choices, like reducing spending on food, heating, or rent. The study found that nearly half of Americans with medical debt—about 15% of all working-age, privately insured adults—owe at least $2,000. To pay these bills, 37% of those surveyed said they used their savings, while 30% cut back on essential expenses. Additionally, 30% reported delaying or avoiding necessary medical care due to financial concerns. Collins emphasized the importance of addressing medical billing errors, as some people are afraid to challenge them for fear of damaging their credit scores. She encouraged individuals to dispute any charges they believe are incorrect. If insurance coverage is denied for a service, patients can reach out to their insurers or healthcare providers to negotiate a more manageable payment plan that reduces their out-of-pocket costs.