Final answer:
Patients unable to pay medical bills may file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 involves liquidating assets to pay debts, while Chapter 13 allows for a repayment plan. This is often a last resort for those with high medical costs and no insurance.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient who is unable to pay his or her medical bills may file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, depending on their specific financial situation. Chapter 7 bankruptcy may eliminate most unsecured debts like medical bills, but it requires passing a means test and may involve liquidating assets to pay creditors. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, allows individuals with a regular income to develop a plan to repay all or part of their debts over time. With the high costs of healthcare and the risks associated with adverse selection, individuals without insurance, particularly those with low income or pre-existing conditions, may find themselves with insurmountable medical debts, necessitating the consideration of bankruptcy as a last resort solution.