 TITLE: Can You Declare Bankruptcy on Medical Bills? CONTENT: Is Medical Debt Dischargeable in Bankruptcy?\n--------------------------------------------\nYou can't limit a bankruptcy case to medical bills, but you can get relief from your medical debt through the bankruptcy process. In a bankruptcy, medical debt is considered non-priority unsecured debt: It's dischargeable, meaning it can be forgiven. By contrast, priority debt—such as tax bills, child support and most student loans—can't be eliminated through bankruptcy. And defaulting on a secured debt like a mortgage or car loan will result in the loss of your collateral.\nIf you're considering bankruptcy to help you deal with overwhelming debt—including medical bills—know that this is a major step that will have lasting implications for your credit for years to come. During the bankruptcy process, you'll work with a court-approved credit counselor and a trustee who will oversee your case. You will need to disclose all of your debts, income and property so that the court can determine what the outcome and next steps will be. Bankruptcy is complicated, so it helps to learn about the bankruptcy process before you start.\nThere are two main types of personal bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Both address the underlying problem of excess debt, but the two processes differ quite a bit. Here is a quick rundown on each. END