LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Advocates who want to expand Medicaid say a lack of insurance is driving many of Nebraska's personal bankruptcies.
The group Nebraska Appleseed presented lawmakers Tuesday with an analysis of bankruptcy filings from three counties in 2013.
The review found that more than one-fourth of the bankruptcy filers in Dawson, Otoe and Red Willow counties reported major medical expenses that accounted for at least 20 percent of their debt.
James Goddard, a staff attorney for the group, says the report only identified medical debts that were "clearly labeled" in court filings. Goddard says the vast majority of the debt holders are based in Nebraska.
Lawmakers convened the hearing to examine the impact of Nebraska's decision not to expand Medicaid under the federal health care law.
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