Medical debt affects individuals and communities across the United States. The burden of medical debt can have profound implications for an individual’s financial well-being and access to health care services. While we have a grasp of how medical debt impacts Black, Latino/Hispanic, and white communities, it is still unclear how medical debt impacts Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities due to a lack of disaggregated data. Understanding the specific medical debt challenges faced by AANHPI communities is crucial for addressing disparities and developing targeted interventions to mitigate its impact.

In October 2023, Community Catalyst conducted a month-long online survey of 951 self-identified AANHPI community leaders and individuals serving these populations to examine barriers to health care access and strategies for managing unaffordable medical bills. Respondents represented trusted entities such as community-based organizations, health workers, and legal aid providers who often assist community members with translation, navigation, and resource access.

Drawing upon a literature review and stakeholder interviews, this report highlights the specific ways in which AANHPIs are impacted by medical debt, including limited health care access, language and cultural barriers, and socioeconomic disparities. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and investment in trusted community-based organizations to effectively address these challenges.

Read the full report here