Inaccurate Medical Billing Creates Problems for Older Adults
Even though virtually all older people have medical insurance, many are still facing medical debt.

Even though most older adults have health insurance, they’re facing increasing medical debt, reports the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Older adults face a complex billing system with a high likelihood of errors and inaccurate bills, according to the bureau.
The CFPB examined census data along with consumer complaints received between January 2020 and December 2022. It says its findings suggest that providers are billing older dual beneficiaries of Medicare and Medicaid for amounts they don’t owe.
The report found that in 2020, nearly 4 million adults 65 and older reported having unpaid medical bills, even though 98% of them had insurance. Nearly 70% of these older adults with unpaid medical bills also reported having medical insurance coverage from two or more sources.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The reported amount of unpaid medical bills among older adults increased by 20% between 2019 and 2020, from $44.8 billion to $53.8 billion. Yet older adults reported fewer doctor visits and lower out-of-pocket expenses in 2020 than in 2019.
What to do when you get surprise medical bills
The No Surprises Act bans unexpected out-of-network medical bills for emergency room visits or out-of-network bills when receiving treatment in an in-network hospital or other facility.
If you don’t have insurance, the law usually requires providers to give you a good faith estimate of how much your health care will cost if you schedule services at least 3 business days in advance or you request one. You may be able to dispute your bill if it’s at least $400 more than the estimate.
To help consumers understand their rights and protections under the law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has information about its requirements, an interactive tool to help consumers identify actions they can take to resolve their billing issues, as well as a complaint form to report a violation of the rules at the CMS website.
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, our popular monthly periodical that covers key concerns of affluent older Americans who are retired or preparing for retirement. Subscribe for retirement advice that’s right on the money.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Elaine Silvestrini has worked for Kiplinger since 2021, serving as senior retirement editor since 2022. Before that, she had an extensive career as a newspaper and online journalist, primarily covering legal issues at the Tampa Tribune and the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey. In more recent years, she's written for several marketing, legal and financial websites, including Annuity.org and LegalExaminer.com, and the newsletters Auto Insurance Report and Property Insurance Report.
-
S&P 500 Hits New Highs as Rally Resumes: Stock Market Today
Tech stocks were the biggest gainers on Wall Street today, with Nvidia and Dell making notable moves.
-
The Shutdown Standoff Is Heading for Its Next Big Test
A key mid-October deadline could intensify the shutdown fight in Washington, and the fallout could soon hit workers and your wallet.
-
Eight Tricks to Shop for Glasses if You're Over 50
Shopping for glasses often gets trickier — and more expensive — as you age. If you've over 50, take these steps when you set out to buy a new pair.
-
Seven Things You Should Do Before 2026 Because of One Big Beautiful Bill Changes
The new law ushers in significant changes for most taxpayers. Make these moves now to take advantage of them.
-
How to Master 'The Art of Spending Money'
Delve into Morgan Housel's new book for an understanding of the psychology that drives what we buy — and why that can lead to smarter money decisions.
-
FAFSA Advice for 2025
A new federal financial aid application drops on October 1 — and being an early bird will likely pay off.
-
'Rich' Tricks to Volunteer and Donate in Retirement
There may be some tax benefits to giving back in retirement.
-
Use Your Next Vacation to Explore Your Roots
With some research and preparation, you can design a meaningful tour of your family’s ancestral home.
-
4 Career Moves to Make Now if You're Worried About a Recession
Worried about a recession? These steps to protect your job prospects will help you professionally whether a downturn develops or not.
-
How StoryCorps Works and How You Can Tell Your Story
StoryCorps has recorded conversations between thousands of people, and anyone can participate. National facilitator Alan Jinich explains how to share your story.