What hospitals can do about healthcare costs

High healthcare costs continue to be a top concern for voters ahead of next month's midterm elections. A recent Urban Institute study found that more than one in four adults in the U.S. had medical debt in 2025. In some states, hospitals are experimenting with something called presumptive eligibility, which automatically screens patients for financial assistance needs. We hear more. But first, with rising inflation, consumers pull back where they can.

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Read the stories from this podcast episode:

• Consumers are pulling back on some discretionary spending
• Earlier screening for financial aid in hospitals could help lower bills