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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Jessica Glenza

Held in bondage: US patients losing equity in homes to hospital lawsuits

Terry Belk poses for a portrait at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on 19 October. Photograph: Juan Diego Reyes/The Guardian
Terry Belk poses for a portrait at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on 19 October. Photograph: Juan Diego Reyes/The Guardian

Terry and Sandra Belk’s medical bills began to pile up after a series of illnesses – including breast cancer, prostate cancer and gallbladder surgery – repeatedly sent them to the largest hospital system in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health.

Despite having commercial insurance, the Belks received bills for tens of thousands of dollars. When the couple couldn’t pay, Atrium sued them through North Carolina’s civil courts.

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