Jeff King was recovering from an unexpected procedure to fix his irregular heart rhythm when he received shocking news.


The hospital had given him a $160,000 (£119,000) bill for the treatment. King, a former pastor, did not have standard health insurance from his employer, only a cost-sharing alternative plan that said it would not cover the procedure.


It was pretty traumatic, said the 66-year-old from Lawrence, Kansas. Who knew that less than a one-day procedure in and out of the hospital could destroy us financially?


King is one of around 100 million people - or about 40% of Americans - who are estimated to struggle to pay off their medical and dental healthcare debt, according to recent data. The healthcare company King was a member of has previously said it's important that members understand its cost-sharing model and membership guidelines.


The US has one of the most expensive health systems in the world, with spending on healthcare estimated to reach $5.9 trillion (£4.3 trillion) in 2026. But despite spending twice as much per capita on healthcare compared to wealthy nations of a similar size, the US has a lower life expectancy than those other nations.


As costs have continued to grow, so have Americans' frustrations with the US healthcare system. In December 2024, UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson was shot in Manhattan, an act met with mixed emotions, reflecting underlying discontent with healthcare costs.


President Donald Trump proposed the Great Healthcare Plan, aiming to lower costs by sending money directly to citizens for insurance and removing 'kickbacks'. However, experts consider the proposal vague and underestimating the specific reforms needed.


Meanwhile, Americans report increasing struggles with high premiums and inadequate coverage. Many have seen huge spikes in insurance costs due to the expiration of pandemic-related subsidies.


Experts warn that the complexity of the US healthcare system, which incorporates multiple overlapping programs, leads to inefficiencies and confusion. Some state governments are attempting to alleviate issues by banning medical debt from credit reports.


The ongoing debate illustrates a critical question: in light of common agreement on the issues, is there enough political will to enact meaningful reform in the US healthcare system?