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Diagnosis: Debt - We're shining a light on the medical debt problem

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Life is rolling along for you. You’re having no issues but then something happens. You get hurt, or you get sick and you need medical care.

You do that but then the bills come. The costs can be devastating even if you have insurance. 40% of Americans don't have the money to cover a surprise $400 expense.

Then the debt collectors come calling. Ohioans owe more than $1.8 billion in medical debt.

If you still can't pay, you could even get sued by the hospital that treated you. Or, you can end up bankrupt. Close to two-thirds of U.S. bankruptcies are directly linked to medical issues.

For many, medical debt can feel like a trap without any way out.

That's why we are launching a new project "Diagnosis: Debt." We’re going to shine a light on this problem, but we need your help.

Share your medical debt stories with us.

Email us at InvestigatorTips@WEWS.com

Fill out the feedback form on our website www.News5Cleveland.com.

Comment on our Facebook page.

Got an outrageous bill? Send that along, too.

We look forward to sharing your stories on News 5.

Diagnosis: Debt Viewer Contact Form
Do you have a story of medical debt you would like to share with News 5 investigators? Email investigatortips@wews.com or fill out the form below.