Medical Debt Crushes Black Americans as Hospitals Sue to Collect

Tango Walker estimates her family owes more than $28,000 in medical debt. Her five active kids often got banged up playing sports and needed minor surgery or physical therapy. She still owes money for an $1,800 custom knee brace her daughter, now a college junior on a basketball scholarship, got after tearing her ACL in 10th grade.

Walker, who has a master’s degree in educational leadership and is working toward a doctorate, recently started a job at the Children’s Advocacy Center at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Even with insurance, she struggles to afford care. Last year she was surprised to learn her ...