Jama Network Open Publishes Article on the Impact of Medical Debt on Housing Instability

By Ella Izenour, NLIHC Opportunity Starts at Home Intern 

Jama Network Open recently published an article, “Housing Instability Following Medical Debt Exposure Among US Adults, 2023 to 2025,” examining the association between medical debt and housing instability. Using data from a national sample of 1,515 U.S. adults who participated in the Cumulative Life Stressors Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being Study, the authors found that medical debt is associated with a significant increase in housing instability in the subsequent year.  

The study reveals that adults who incur medical debt are 5-9% more likely to experience housing instability the following year compared with those without medical debt. These findings demonstrate the substantial toll of medical debt, which can undermine financial security and compromise future housing stability, highlighting the need for policy interventions to address medical debt. Additionally, the authors found that adults who incur medical debt are more likely to have larger households, including children, compared to those without medical debt. This dynamic may contribute to the prevalence of housing instability experienced by children and families. The article also points to evidence suggesting that government housing assistance can help offset the impacts of medical-related financial hardship.  

The article further situates these findings within the evolving medical care policy environment following the 2025 budget reconciliation act, which rolled back aspects of U.S. health insurance coverage. The authors raise concerns about the changing affordability of healthcare, noting that increased medical debt burdens may lead to higher rates of housing instability. The article concludes by calling for policies and programs aimed at addressing medical debt and mitigating the housing instability it can cause.  

Read the article here.   

To learn more about the intersection of health and housing, read the OSAH fact sheet here.