Last week, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D - Sacramento) announced her support for a public option in pending health care legislation. "I want to make sure no family in Sacramento risks bankruptcy just because a loved one gets sick," Matsui said. "Right now, 100,000 people in this community are uninsured."
A serious illness can burden an uninsured family with tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospital bills. With no ability to repay debt of that magnitude, bankruptcy becomes the only option. By extending coverage, health care reform is designed to prevent bankruptcies brought on by no fault of the sick.
Moreover, when bankruptcy discharges hospital bills, taxpayers pick up the bills. Thus, when any of the 100,000 uninsured in Sacramento visits a county hospital for emergency treatment, Sacramento's citizens often pay for the care.
Until health care reform passes, if you have incurred hospital bills that go beyond your ability to repay, you may benefit from speaking with a Sacramento bankruptcy attorney.
