As credit card balances hit a record high, medical bills can become 'shadow debt,' expert says

U.S. credit card balances have climbed to a record high, and a growing share of that debt reflects medical bills that consumers have shifted onto cards and other borrowing, creating what one expert calls “shadow debt” that is harder to track. The shift matters because medical costs financed this way can carry high interest and become difficult to distinguish from ordinary card spending. Consumers are being advised to check card terms, interest rates and repayment options before charging care.