Bankruptcies up 30 percent
So you might have heard that health insurance reform passed in the House over the weekend. And good thing too, as new information cites ‘seniors struggling with medical expenses’ as being a sizeable factor in the 30-percent jump in bankruptcy filings in Wisconsin since last year.From the AP:
In eastern Wisconsin, there were more than 14,000 bankruptcy filings by Oct. 1. That number is also up about 30 percent from the previous year.
Marcia Anderson is clerk of courts for the Western District of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. She says the increase is probably a function of job losses and health issues.
She says more people over 60 are filing for bankruptcy, especially those who are trying to pay medical expenses on fixed incomes.
The tragic effects of insurance corporations gouging consumers and America into financial ruin will continue to pile up as long as conservatives put private corporation profits above the lives and well-being of real people. And though single-payer health insurance hasn’t left my good conscience, it’s a relief to see at least some form of health insurance reform making its way through the Capitol.