LA County requires hospitals to report patient medical debt, as a way to reduce bills

Medical debt creates a huge financial burden in Los Angeles County that affects 1 in 10 county residents and totals $2.9 billion.

And the anxiety from unpaid medical bills weighs most heavily on those who can’t afford it, namely low-income and minority communities, as well as people suffering with chronic conditions, In some cases, the ripple effect results in food insecurity and family members forgoing future medical care.

Under the ordinance passed by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors...