With the US having one of the highest costs of healthcare in the world, it comes as little surprise that most Americans carry exorbitant amounts of medical debt. In 2019, the average cost of healthcare in the United States was $11,462. In 2022, this figure rose to $12,530. At the end of 2019, research by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that the total medical debt in the US has reached at least $195 billion, with the figure expected to rise to account for debt incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each year in the US, 650,000 people file bankruptcy due to medical debt.
These figures do not account for other financial obligations a person can have, like utility bills, rent, and the cost of education, even without having to deal with illnesses or injuries. Facing such financial struggles can leave a person feeling helpless.
Bankruptcy can offer a level of protection and allow you to recollect yourself and gather your resources in the interest of a fresh start. An experienced New Jersey bankruptcy attorney may be able to help you explore your options for seeking relief from debt and guide you through the process. If you’re wondering about bankruptcy filing frequency in New Jersey, our top-rated New Jersey bankruptcy attorneys at Straffi & Straffi Attorneys at Law can provide skilled legal counsel and offer assistance in filing for bankruptcy. Call us today at (732) 341-3800 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Medical Debt in the US
The demographics of American medical debt show that middle-aged Americans are more likely to have significant medical debt or medical debt amounting to more than $1,000. More than 23 million adults owe over $1,000 in medical debt and about 11 million owe over $2,000.
According to a survey by Kaiser Family Foundation, one in five people who had medical debt have been contacted by collection agencies and 9% stated that they have filed for personal bankruptcy due to medical expenses. The 2019 data also shows that 3 million or 13% of American adults report having debt of more than $10,000.
A 2009 study published in the American Journal of Medicine claims that 62.1% of all bankruptcies in the US were caused by medical bills. The study clarified that it included the following in the distinction of what they considered as debts due to medical causes:
- People who mortgaged their homes to pay off medical bills
- People who had medical bills greater than $1,000
- People who were unable to go to work for at least 2 weeks due to an illness
This figure only increased in 2019, with 66.5% of bankruptcies being filed due to medical debt.
One out of 10 adults has some form of medical debt with the uninsured being one of the demographics hit the most. Those with medical insurance are not spared from debt, however. Despite over 90% of the US population having some sort of medical insurance, a quarter of adults with medical debt owe above $5,000.
Most people with large consumer debt either seek loans from family members or face the threat of their homes being foreclosed. The risk of medical debt only increases as the need for medical care also grows as we get older. As such, it may seem increasingly difficult to get relief from debt. One in five adults with medical debt, regardless of the amount, say they don’t expect to ever be able to pay their debt off.
While there is no easy way of obtaining debt relief, there are other options available that you can explore to discharge your debt. One of which is filing for bankruptcy.
NJ Statute Of Limitations On Medical Debt
When facing difficulties in resolving a debt and it eventually falls into default, it is crucial to be aware of the potential consequences that may follow. In the state of New Jersey, many consumers are unaware of the existence of a legal timeframe within which creditors or debt collectors can pursue outstanding debts. This timeframe is known as the statute of limitations. Once this legal timeframe has expired, individuals are no longer vulnerable to legal actions concerning that particular debt.
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for medical debt is set at six years. This means that if there has been no account activity for a period of six years or more, creditors and debt collectors are prohibited from filing a lawsuit against you to collect that debt. If you are facing a debt lawsuit in New Jersey, it is crucial to respond within 35 days to prevent a default judgment from being issued against you.
Managing New Jersey’s statute of limitations on medical debt can be overwhelming, but a skilled New Jersey bankruptcy attorney can guide you through the process. At Straffi & Straffi Attorneys at Law, our bankruptcy attorneys can assist you in addressing medical debts, and provide tailored solutions to help you regain financial stability. Whether you’re facing medical debt or other financial difficulties, we can provide the guidance and support you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter financial future.
What Is a Medical Bankruptcy?
The term “medical bankruptcy” often refers to declaring bankruptcy as a result of substantial medical debt. However, it’s crucial to understand that no distinct type of bankruptcy exists exclusively for medical debts. In New Jersey, individuals typically file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy to manage their financial liabilities, which can include medical bills among other types of debt.
When you file for bankruptcy, medical debts are treated as nonpriority unsecured debts. This classification is significant because it means that medical debts may be discharged completely through the bankruptcy process. Discharge effectively frees the debtor from the obligation to repay the debts, offering significant relief and potentially a fresh financial start.
Filing for bankruptcy in New Jersey allows you to not only address medical bills but also manage other types of debts. For instance, if you have additional debts alongside your medical bills, these can be handled during the bankruptcy process and after medical debts are discharged. It is crucial for anyone considering this route to discuss their specific financial situation with a knowledgeable New Jersey bankruptcy attorney who can guide them through the bankruptcy process and help them understand how their medical and other debts will be handled.
How Can Bankruptcy Get Rid of Medical Debt?
There are many different kinds of bankruptcy available depending on either the financial situation or the kind of entity (whether a person, a business, or a corporation) filing for bankruptcy. However, to understand bankruptcy, we must first understand the kind of debt that needs to be relieved.
There are two types of consumer debt, secured and unsecured. Secured debt typically refers to debt that has collateral serving as security against non-repayment of the loan. Unsecured debt is issued to debtors depending on the creditworthiness of a debtor. Due to the existence of the collateral for secured debt, there is less risk of the debtor defaulting on the debt.
The most common types of secured debt are mortgages and car loans while unsecured debt is commonly encountered as credit card debt. Medical debt falls under the category of unsecured debt.
Which debts would be relieved and how would depend on the type of bankruptcy you choose and which is more applicable to your situation. While there is no specific type of bankruptcy that applies to medical debt, most unsecured debt is typically discharged or relieved when the bankruptcy is finalized. The two most common types of personal bankruptcy availed by those with medical debt are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is commonly referred to as liquidation bankruptcy. Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy automatically stays any collection efforts by creditors, threats of foreclosure, and any lawsuits filed against the debtor.
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtor’s non-exempt assets are liquidated to pay off all or part of their debts. The Bankruptcy Court assigns a trustee who will deal with your creditors on your behalf and who will collect resources through the sale of your assets. Most unsecured debts, including medical debts, are discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, debts like alimony, child support, taxes, and student loans cannot be discharged unless in special circumstances.
Petitioners who want to apply for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy need to pass a means test and must typically have little or no assets in order to qualify. This is to avoid abuse of the system and ensure that the debtor is not abusing the law to avoid paying debts they can actually afford to pay.
Exempt assets in a liquidation bankruptcy include a primary residence, any tools a person needs to make their living, personal possessions (valued up to a certain amount), and a car (provided that it is not in equity). Assets like a vacation home, jewelry, or assets that are not considered necessary for living will be sold off to recoup some funds to pay off creditors.
Aside from the means test, the debtor must compile all the necessary information and the Official Bankruptcy Form and submit the petition to the Bankruptcy Court. The information must also include the following details:
- A list of their creditors and how much the debtor owes each one
- The debtor’s source and amount of income
- An inventory of all of the debtor’s property
- A list of their monthly living expenses
In New Jersey, the means test involves taking your average household income for the last six months and comparing it to the median income of households of a similar size in the state. If your household income is lower than the threshold, then you may proceed with filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
If you cannot meet the requirements of the means test, the Bankruptcy Court may take a closer look at your expenses and income. From this, it can either deny your petition or convert it to a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy if you can still qualify for bankruptcy but have enough disposable income to pay off your debts.
To ensure the best possible chances of your bankruptcy petition being approved by the court, you should consider getting the help of an experienced New Jersey bankruptcy attorney to help you gather the necessary information and guide you through the process.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy, also referred to as a “wage earner’s plan”, is concerned with creating a repayment plan with the goal of reorganizing the debtor’s finances and allowing the debtor to pay off their debt in the span of 3 to 5 years. The repayment plan is meant to allow the creditors to be paid what they would have been paid if a different chapter of bankruptcy had been filed. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy may require the debtor to use 100% of their disposable income to repay their debts as determined by the court.
Unlike a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 does not require passing a means test in order to qualify. New Jersey allows debtors with a combined debt limit of up to $2.75 million in secured and unsecured debts to apply for Chapter 13. Filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy also gives a stay on collection efforts by creditors and any threats of foreclosure.
However, compared to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy where the Bankruptcy Trustee’s responsibility is to act as a mediator and liquidate the debtor’s assets, the trustee’s duty in Chapter 13 is only to collect the debtor’s monthly payments.
Despite there being no debts actually discharged in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a debtor will be able to keep their assets in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy as long as they can keep up with the monthly payments.
While not all unsecured medical debt will be discharged in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it can be seen as a better alternative for debtors who see remortgaging their primary residence as their only way to pay off medical debt. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows debtors to find other sources of income and repay their debts without collection agencies hounding them.
| Bankruptcy Type | Effect on Medical Debt | Means Test Required |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | Most unsecured medical debt can be discharged | Yes, to qualify |
| Chapter 13 | Not discharged, but can be included in a repayment plan | No |
Credit Counseling and Debtor Education
Before you can file your petition for bankruptcy, you will be required to attend two mandatory credit counseling courses. The first class involves credit counseling and aims to help debtors determine whether filing for bankruptcy is the right course of action for their specific financial situation. Once the petition has been filed, the second required course tackles debtor education. The goal of debtor education is to equip bankruptcy petitioners with the tools they need to manage their finances after their bankruptcy is over.
Bankruptcy and Medical Bills
Bankruptcy can provide a safeguard and enable individuals to regroup and gather resources for a new beginning. Medical debt, classified as unsecured debt, can be resolved through bankruptcy. The two primary types of personal bankruptcy available for individuals with medical debt are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also referred to as liquidation bankruptcy, requires the liquidation of the debtor’s non-exempt assets to pay off some or all of their debts. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, most unsecured debts, including medical debts, are discharged. However, debts such as alimony, child support, taxes, and student loans are not dischargeable unless under special circumstances. To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, applicants must pass a means test and generally possess minimal to no assets.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy, also called the “wage earner’s plan,” focuses on creating a repayment plan that reorganizes the debtor’s finances, allowing them to pay off their debt over a period of 3 to 5 years. Although not all unsecured medical debt is dischargeable under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it may be a preferable alternative for debtors who view remortgaging their primary residence as their only option for repaying medical debt.
Before deciding to file for bankruptcy, it is critical to weigh all available options and seek the advice of an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. They can assess your financial situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Alternative solutions to bankruptcy, such as debt negotiations, loan term modifications, or obtaining discounts for paying off medical debt in full, may provide immediate relief but may only be temporary solutions.
Does Filing Medical Bankruptcies Hurt Your Credit?
Filing for bankruptcy due to medical debt can greatly affect your credit score and financial stability. When contemplating bankruptcy as a solution for medical bills, it’s essential to understand the long-term effects on your credit report.
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, where assets are liquidated to settle debts, can stay on your credit history for a maximum of 10 years from the date it was filed. This type of bankruptcy can greatly lower your credit score, making it more difficult to secure loans, credit cards, or housing.
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which reorganizes debts and sets up a repayment plan over time, can stay on your credit report for up to seven years. While this may offer a more manageable repayment plan, it still significantly affects your credit score during that time.
However, the negative impact of bankruptcy on your credit score lessens as the years go by, particularly if you engage in positive credit activities, such as making consistent on-time payments and reducing other debts.
While bankruptcy can offer immediate relief from overwhelming medical debts, its negative impacts on your credit can be substantial and long-lasting. Speaking with an experienced New Jersey bankruptcy attorney can help you understand the nuances of bankruptcy law, reduce the adverse effects on your credit, and assist you in planning for financial recovery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Other Options for Repaying Medical Debt
Filing for bankruptcy is a decision that you should make only after considering all of your available options. Other alternatives to filing bankruptcy can include the following:
- Debt negotiations
- Modifying the terms of your loan
- Getting discounts for paying the medical debt in full
- Paying off your debt with credit cards or other unsecured credit
However, it should be noted that while these options can provide immediate relief and can work for some debtors, such as paying off medical debt using credit cards, they may only work as a band-aid solution and can lead to more debt.
Most people who file for bankruptcy do so because they want to avoid the pressure of having to deal with debt collectors and lawsuits from creditors. While bankruptcy is often used to discharge debt, some debtors see it as a way to allow themselves breathing room and more time to get on their feet and pay their debt. Before you make any decision, speaking with a skilled attorney who can explain your options is beneficial.
Working With an Experienced New Jersey Bankruptcy Attorney
Considering the right course of action is difficult when faced with great medical debt. The relief from debt that bankruptcy offers has a caveat, specifically, a great impact on your credit score. With the help of a qualified New Jersey bankruptcy attorney, you may be able to lessen the blow and determine your best strategy when filing for bankruptcy. A good attorney should be able to examine your financial situation and weigh your options on whether filing for bankruptcy is the right option for you.
At Straffi and Straffi Attorneys At Law, our skilled bankruptcy attorneys have dedicated their practice to providing quality legal services to New Jersey residents. If you are facing financial difficulties and are unsure of how to proceed in seeking relief from debt, we may be able to help guide you through the process of filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. To learn more about how we can help and to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, contact us today at (732) 341-3800 or fill out our online form.
from Straffi & Straffi Attorneys at Law https://www.straffilaw.com/can-my-medical-debt-be-paid-off-with-bankruptcy/
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