According to 2009 research by the Michigan-based Altarum Institute, heart conditions are the second biggest out-of-pocket medical expense in the United States, about $123 billion or 7 percent of all personal health spending. Only mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression and dementia, account for more, about $143.2 billion."
ABC News also notes the financial strains put on families: "These middle-class families report that they are dropped by their insurance companies when they get too sick, and are either denied coverage because of 'pre-existing conditions' or face astronomical premiums" (James, 9/30).
Source: Kaiser Health News
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