Lawmakers Examine High Medical Debt in Oklahoma

Medical debt in Oklahoma is among the highest in the United States, reports The Journal Record. The Oklahoma House Banking and Finance Committee met in October to gain insight on the common causes and why Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for medical debt. 19.8% of Oklahoma adults report having debt in collections, compared to a national average of 11.6%. Only Pontotoc County reports a debt rate below the national average. The median medical debt in collections in 2022 was $886.