Held in bondage: US patients losing equity in homes to hospital lawsuits

Atrium Health in North Carolina is one of likely thousands of hospitals using extraordinary' collection measures, report finds

Terry and Sandra Belk's medical bills began to pile up after a series of illnesses - including breast cancer, prostate cancer and gallbladder surgery - repeatedly sent them to the largest hospital system in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health.

Despite having commercial insurance, the Belks received bills for tens of thousands of dollars. When the couple couldn't pay, Atrium sued them through North Carolina's civil courts.