Millions of Americans crippled by medical debt despite relief efforts

Stopgap measure does not solve fundamental problem that millions can’t afford the healthcare they need, experts say

Some of the millions of Americans who collectively owe billions of dollars for medical expenses have seen their debt forgiven in recent years, and there has been a dramatic uptick in aid this year.

But the relief still only covers a small fraction of the outstanding balance and is just a stopgap measure that does not solve the fundamental problem: people in the US get into serious financial trouble because they can’t afford the healthcare they need, experts say.