Some researchers propose link between consolidation and medical debt

KFF Health News reported on the findings of some researchers who wanted to see if a greater degree of consolidation among healthcare providers led to more medical debt. The researchers found that while "the share of people with a medical bill on a credit report has been declining [nationally]... the declines were less pronounced in counties where hospitals had become more consolidated, even after accounting for other factors."

While the exact mechanism for this link may be unclear, it is not surprising that industries with a greater degree of consolidation offers consumers fewer options. Unfortunately, the healthcare industry has already heavily consolidated in many areas.