America’s health care system is spiraling, and Rhode Island is reeling. In 2023, the United States spent $4.8 trillion, over 18% of its gross domestic product, outpacing other nations with better outcomes. Here, hundreds of millions in medical debt burdens one in three residents, worsened by plans promising coverage but delivering little. Rhode Island can’t wait for Congress. It needs bold action now.
Let’s take a look at the problem with some actual cases, but with names changed. The Johnsons from Providence, Mark, a mechanic, and Sarah, a teacher, pay $1,200 monthly for insurance plus a $6,000 deductible. Mark’s $25,000 surgery left them with $8,000 out-of-pocket atop $14,400 in premiums. Delays in care kept him out of work, turning savings into debt. Maria Smith, a Pawtucket freelancer, pays $900 monthly for an ACA plan (subsidized to $200) with a $7,500 deductible. A diabetes-related hospital bill cost her $4,000, and narrow networks delayed specialist care, deepening her debt.
These plans aren’t affordable quality care; they’re a sham, piling on medical debt. And in some cases, the hospital markups can be 300% or more over actual cost…