Student Debt and Healthcare Service Usage

Written By: Blain Pearson, and Jae Min Lee

This study investigated the association between student debt and healthcare service usage utilizing pooled data collected from the 2015 and 2018 waves of the National Financial Capability Study. The findings of this study suggest that, when compared to those without student debt, student debt holders have a lower likelihood of filling prescriptions for medicine, going to a doctor or clinic when they have a medical problem, and going to medical tests, treatments, and follow-up appointments. The findings and ensuing discussion add to the mounting evidence of the many challenges associated with student debt repayment.