Healthcare reform may not limit medical bankruptcy, according to a new study and a report by the LA Times. While more people will have coverage, many will still have poor coverage and end up struggling with medical debt. The article refers to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine.  “These data suggest that reducing medical bankruptcy rates in the United States will require substantially improved — not just expanded — insurance,” the report says.

Researchers investigated those who have filed for bankruptcy in Massachusetts during 2009 and compared that to national data compiled earlier. What they discovered as that medical bills contributed to more than half of all bankruptcies. Medical bankruptcies increased by a third and total bankruptcies went up by 51% between 2007 and 2009.

The study shows that insurance in Massachusetts has continued to become more expensive. “It’s really too much money for the average family — especially if the breadwinner is the one who gets sick,” the report says. Uncovered services could make expenses even greater, the study reported. “We need to reduce limits on deductibles and out-of-pocket costs,” an author study said according to the LA Times.