Update: Bankruptcy report

According to an online report from the American Journal of Medicine, medical bills -- plus related problems such as lost wages for the ill and their caregivers -- contributed to 62 percent of all bankruptcies filed in 2007. The rate is an increase from 55 percent in 2001.

While the rate increase is important, arguably more important is the fact that the majority of those filing for bankruptcy due to medical expenses were middle class, college educated and owned their home. In addition, 78 percent had health insurance.

Talking points on hospitals' billing and collection practices and hospital charges can be found here.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorialized on the report over the weekend.