Day 4 of 12 Days of Holiday episodes: Did you know there is $195 billion of medical debt outstanding? And, in fact, medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy here in the U.S. If you’ve been to the hospital or even a Dr. recently, you know, even with insurance, getting healthcare in the country means you often have to pay out of pocket in a big way. The truth is you shouldn’t be put in financial ruin for walking through the door of a hospital or medical provider. We are human beings who all deserve to have affordable and accessible medical care. End of story. However, as our guest, Allison Sesso, Executive Director of RIP Medical Debt, says, “The system wasn’t set up for your success in the first place.” Allison joins us on a riveting episode uncovering the who, what, when, where, and why behind medical debt and offers some great advice if you are currently in medical debt. Some of her advice includes knowing hospital financial assistance programs, never putting medical debt on a credit card, and making sure you know the loopholes in your insurance plan. LINKS RIP Medical Debt Support a Medical Debt Campaign SPONSORS Thanks to Monarch for sponsoring the show. ​​After trying out Monarch for myself, I understand why it’s the top-rated personal finance app. Listeners of this show will get an extended thirty-day free trial when you go to www.monarchmoney.com/ETM.  Thanks to Uncommon Goods for sponsoring the show. Get 15% off your next gift by going to www.uncommongoods.com/ETM.  Thanks to EarnIn for sponsoring the show. Just download the EarnIn app in Google Play of the Apple App store and use code Talkin Money under Podcast. Thanks to Noom for sponsoring the show. Start taking control of your weight management and join the millions who have lost weight with Noom. Sign up for your TRIAL today at www.noom.com.   Thanks to ButcherBox for sponsoring the show. Sign up today at www.butcherbox.com/etm and use code ETM to get $20 off your first order. How To Connect with Shannah: Download 10 Money Questions to Ask Yourself Free Money Guide https://etmpod.link/10moneyq  Ask Shannah a question on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shannahgame/  Submit a money question for Shannah to answer in an upcoming episode https://tinyurl.com/askshannahq  Leave a 5-star Review here https://ratethispodcast.com/etm  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices