Millennials are feeling the pain of surprise medical bills more acutely than the generations that preceded them.
More than a third of this demographic, whose members are now 24 to 39 years old, told researchers they received a doctor’s bill they didn’t expect over the past year. Moreover, 51% had such a bill top $2,000.
By comparison,
- 27% of Generation Xers (40 to 55 years old) found an unanticipated medical bill in their inbox or mailbox, with 41% startled by at least one hit of $2,000 or more; and
- 24% of Baby Boomers (56 to 74 years old) got a surprise medical bill, with 33% getting at least one for upwards of $2,000.
Further, Millennials tend to have fewer dollars in the bank to apply to the impending source of debt.
The findings are from an October poll commissioned by HealthCare Insider, an online health insurance shopping site. More than 1,400 people responded. The company says the figures have been weighted to represent all U.S. adults over 18.
The responses also showed surprise medical bills saddling minorities with greater financial pressures than whites, and Southerners seem to be faring worse than people in other regions.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.