Discuss the statistical data related to issue, population impacted, and health outcome of issue and legislature.

The statistical data related to the issue of medical debt in the United States is alarming. According to a 2019 study conducted by NerdWallet Health, over 52 million people are currently burdened with such debt—with out-of-pocket expenses for medical services having risen 43% since 2003. This has had significant impacts on low-income individuals and households due to many not being able to afford necessary treatments which can lead to worsening health outcomes or even death in extreme cases.

Moreover, this issue is further compounded by legislation that makes it easier for healthcare providers and insurance companies to collect payments from patients without taking into account their financial situations. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently proposed new rules that would limit how debts are pursued as well as require creditors provide more accurate information about payment plans when billing patients—which could help reduce the economic burden associated with this problem if implemented properly. However, only time will tell if these measures prove successful in addressing one of America’s most pressing public health challenges.