Medical debt in Dallas-Fort Worth is unbearable. Something needs to change

Medical debt in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is a critical issue that needs to be addressed now. Our D-FW community suffers from one of the nation’s highest levels of medical debt, as a recent article by Kaiser Health News states. As a result, many families struggle to pay their medical bills and face costly interest payments or, worse, bankruptcy.

Throughout my years of ministry in D-FW and as lead pastor at LifePointe Church, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of medical debt on individuals and families. My own church members face huge medical bills every day, and unfortunately are unable to make payments due to a lack of resources or income.

It’s not just people who suffer from high levels of medical debt, either; these debts can cost hospitals thousands of dollars each year as they try to collect payment for services provided. It’s a systemic problem that needs a solution.

Dallas County has the second-highest concentration of medical debt among America’s 20 most populous counties, according to a study by the Urban Institute based on credit bureau and census data. Specifically, 22.5% of Dallas County residents have medical debt on their credit reports. Furthermore, the median medical debt reported on credit records was nearly $1,000. This is substantially higher than other areas like New York, which typically have a median amount of $400 or less for medical bills on credit reports, according to the data analyzed by KHN and the nonprofit Urban Institute.

The high prevalence of medical debts in Dallas County — as well as the surrounding areas — may be due to factors that include a lack of insurance coverage and limited access to health care services for certain populations. Additionally, medical costs in Dallas County are often higher than in other areas due to increased competition among providers and the cost of living.

Recently, I was speaking with a member of my congregation facing chronic disease. This individual was forced to pay $3,600 for just three pills because insurance didn’t cover the cost. This is just one example of how the high cost of medication and treatments is causing many individuals to forgo medical care altogether. For those who do seek care, the resulting medical debt can have a negative impact on their credit score and overall well-being.

With over 40 years of ministry experience, I have noticed the challenges individuals encounter when trying to manage health care costs. I empathize with how expensive medical treatments can be and how they can affect not only a person’s life but also a pastor’s life.

I was diagnosed with a spinal cord disease 23 years ago, which was financially challenging due to expensive treatments and medication that had to be paid for out of pocket. This experience has shaped my ministry and how I empathize with people going through similar situations.

Throughout my years of ministry, my goal has been to provide hope to those who are going through tough times and give them the encouragement they need to overcome any obstacles that come their way. Although financial difficulties can be overwhelming, I understand that providing support in all areas is crucial to help people move forward in life. My desire is to keep serving others and bring happiness and relief to their lives for many more years to come.

I have been vocal in my call for urgent action to raise awareness and education about debt reduction in Dallas-Fort Worth. It’s not just about helping those who are already struggling financially; it’s also about preventing people from getting into a difficult situation, to begin with.

Our church uses Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University as a tool to work with people who have medical debt. The program aims to assist individuals and families in becoming debt-free and remaining that way through a nine-lesson course. Participants learn about money management, budgeting and wise spending habits.

One local organization that we support and that helps many people in our community is the Crowley House of Hope. They have a medical clinic that is free to adults who are uninsured offering no-cost medical services and treatment, including prescriptions. They also offer resource/referral information, free food supplies, a low (or no) cost thrift store for clothing and household items (which also helps to fund their ongoing community services) as well as other kinds of aid, including help with rent, utilities and other financial necessities.

While community resources are invaluable, they aren’t always able to offer as much support as someone facing thousands of dollars in medical bills might need. Our church has recently begun working with Resolve Medical Bills. Using their Resolution System, Resolve has been able to lower and even eliminate medical bills and debt for Dallas-Fort Worth residents. The advocates will work closely with you to create a customized savings strategy based on your specific needs. In addition to negotiating your medical bills, Resolve can assist with filing insurance disputes and appeals if your benefits have been denied or delayed.

Texans require medical care that is reasonably priced, particularly given the current state of the economy. However, there is still unfinished business in the Legislature to ensure that it is obtainable for everyone. If you share the belief that all individuals should have access to financial care, please contact your legislators and make clear your backing for bills that broaden access to financial services for all Texans. Together, let’s strive to create a beneficial change.

Chuck Bernal is the lead pastor at LifePointe Church in Dallas-Fort Worth. He wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.

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