Huge medical debt woes loom even for insured Americans

New York

HERE is the surest way to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having health insurance: Don't get sick.

The number of uninsured Americans has fallen by an estimated 15 million since 2013, thanks largely to the Affordable Care Act. But a new survey, the first detailed study of Americans struggling with medical bills, shows that insurance often fails as a safety net. Health plans often require hundreds or thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket payments - sums that can create a cascade of financial troubles for the many households living pay cheque to pay cheque.