Texas' Tarrant County has the highest concentration of medical debt in the country - Axios DallasLog InLog InAxios Dallas is an Axios company.

Texas' Tarrant County leads the nation in medical debt

Illustration: Megan Robinson/Axios Dallas-Fort Worth residents carry more medical debt than any other area in the country, . Why it matters: The U.S. health care system has pushed over into debt in the form of credit card balances, loans from loved ones and payment plans to cover costs.It's a sobering statistic for a country of offering some of the best care in the world. Threat level: Tarrant County has the highest concentration of medical debt in the country's 20 most-populated counties. Dallas County ranks second. By the numbers: 27% of people in Tarrant County report having medical debt, with a median of $984, per KHN.23% of people in Dallas County have medical debt, with a median of $994.People in New York and California have the smallest share of medical debt. In New York County, only 3% of people have medical debt and the median amount is $387. Yes, but: The hospitals in our area continue to thrive and . Between the lines: People of color a lower average household income, carry more medical debt and are less likely to have health insurance compared to White patients.In Dallas County, 22% percent of people of color have medical debt in collections compared to 10% of White patients. And the amount owed is higher for people of color. Meanwhile: Americans don't seem to have a lot of faith in our health care system.Almost 60% believe it's either average or below average and only 15% say it's the best in the world, according to a new . The bottom line: The data is yet another measure of racial disparities across the country, and a testament to our country's befuddling approach to health care. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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