Hospital Lawsuits Over Unpaid Bills Increased By 37 Percent In Wisconsin From 2001 To 2018

Hospital lawsuits over unpaid bills increased by 37 percent in Wisconsin from 2001 to 2018.

Researchers analyzed court records in an effort to understand trends in lawsuits in Wisconsin between 2001 and 2018. They found that lawsuits generally increased, and also that Black and low-income patients were disproportionately represented as subjects of these lawsuits.

Abstract and Citation

"Hospital Lawsuits Over Unpaid Bills Increased By 37 Percent In Wisconsin From 2001 To 2018". Zack Cooper, James Han, Neale Mahoney. Health Affairs, Volume 40, Issue Number 12, December 2021

Abstract

We analyzed Wisconsin court records from the period 2001–18 to document trends in hospital lawsuits to recover patients’ unpaid medical bills. These lawsuits increased 37 percent during this period, from 1.12 per 1,000 residents in 2001 to 1.53 per 1,000 residents in 2018, with lawsuits being disproportionately directed at Black patients and patients living in poorer and less densely populated counties.

Publication Link

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01130?msclkid=a082ae4dcfbb11ec8b3684ef97eab930

Page Count

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Executive Summary (263.63 KB)

Appendix (345.66 KB)

Press Release (116.22 KB)

Other Project Media

Zack Cooper was featured on the Freakonomics, M.D.Podcast, Episode 35, "Are More Expensive Hospitals Better?"

Freakonomics, M.D., Episode 35.