Cancer and Bankruptcy

I tell a lot of my Bucks County bankruptcy clients that people come to see me for one of six reasons:

1. Death of a spouse
2. Divorce
3. Sickness
4. Unemployment
5. The economy
6. Some other life tragedy

The CBS article, "Cancer patients more than twice as likely to go bankrupt, study shows" is a telling sign about our health care system, the reason bankruptcy exists, and support for #3 on my list.

I have represented many people, as a Quakertown bankruptcy lawyer, who are in similar positions.  Rounds of tests, months of treatments, huge co-pays, and loss of wages due to sickness all create an unfortunate, perfect financial storm.  It is a crying shame to see people in this situation.

Frequently, the most difficult issue relating to a medical debt bankruptcy is the timing of the bankruptcy.  If a person has a chronic condition, the potential for post-petition debts may prevent a true "fresh start".  If a person is unsure of when their condition/sickness/illness may end, it may make sense to wait until the health situation is resolved.

In the end, if there ever were a reason for bankruptcy, medical debt seems to be it.  When someone gets sick and incurs debt simply trying to live, they are entitled to relief to move on.