Do Americans really avoid hospitals, even in serious situations because of the bills that follow after ?

Unfortunately it’s true. I’ve been without insurance and falling into debt from having to pay medical related bills. To me, right now going to the hospital would absolutely destroy me and leave me in debt the rest of my life. And the hospitals do not hesitate to harass you with phone calls, and threatening mail constantly even though you have no way of paying it. Eventually they just sell your debt to a collector who continues to harass you and could take you to court for the money and if you can’t pay you could go to jail and of course your Credit gets totally destroyed preventing you from being able to make other important purchases like for food and housing, transportation (ect.). It’s awful, and I would be lying if I didn’t say I have seriously considered suicide as a means of escaping it. No quite ready to throw in the towel yet... but the healthcare system here in the states is beyond fucked up, it really is.

/r/TooAfraidToAsk Thread