The number of veteran-owned small businesses in the United States is declining, posing a challenge as the older generation retires. With nearly 2 million such businesses providing a substantial payroll and employing millions, they are facing a steady decrease, dropping from 11% of small businesses in 2014 to just over 5% in 2021.

A significant factor contributing to this decline is a lack of access to capital, with veterans reporting difficulties in obtaining loans due to unfamiliarity with their business models.

Despite efforts by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to facilitate lending, the decline persists, affecting post-9/11 veteran business owners more severely. However, there is a positive trend in business ownership among women and minorities, with the SBA actively working to support veteran entrepreneurs through increased outreach and programs.

The SBA's recent efforts include expanding veteran business outreach centers and increasing loans to veteran-owned businesses, although challenges still persist, especially in defining specific procedures to give veterans special consideration in lending programs.

In a related context, the landscape of medical billing in the U.S. is undergoing significant changes, with a growing majority of debtors now representing individuals with health insurance. Previously, bad debt in hospitals mainly came from those who could afford to pay but chose not to.

However, the rise of complex health insurance products with high out-of-pocket costs has shifted this dynamic. The analysis reveals that insured patients now account for over half of hospitals' bad debt, showcasing the challenges posed by insurance plans with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

As medical debt becomes a pressing issue affecting millions of Americans, there is a growing acknowledgment of the impact of high deductibles, particularly in plans like those under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). The evolving landscape raises concerns about the effectiveness of current health plans, with ongoing debates on how to address the intricate challenges associated with medical billing and its impact on individuals and healthcare providers.