Medical Debt In Prisons

Hospitals, prisons and other community service agencies, in addition to being landing pads for those with mental illness, also contribute to the problem of homelessness through mounting debt and inadequate discharge planning. Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy and contributes to housing instability in 27% of people struggling with medical bills (Pollitz et al. n.p.). Even among individuals with private health insurance, those with “out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed five percent of their income are about twice as likely to have difficulties paying their rent and utilities, [and] affording food…” (Pollitz et al. n.p.). Likewise, the prison system burdens its “guests” with crippling debt. The costs imposed on criminal defendants – which include court fees, restitution, fines, booking fees, probation supervision fees, treatment fees for any ailments or substance abuse, per diem
This transition can also be made harder by the complete lack of discharge assistance. The Department of Corrections essentially opens the door and pushes them outside, with nothing but the clothes and belongings they entered with. Increasingly, it seems hospitals do the same. Forster et al. found that nearly 20% of patients experience an adverse event within three weeks of discharge. Patients and their families assume the burden of care upon release from the hospital, including the costs and reconciliation of resources. For those with housing instability, this process can contribute to the loss of their housing. Another population vulnerable to transition issues is young adults aging out of the foster care system. Research conducted at the University of Chicago reported one in three youths released from the foster care system experienced at least one episode of homelessness (Predictors). Each of these transitional failures and subsequent risk of homelessness could have been prevented with adequate planning and discharge assistance through case managers or social