MADISON, Wis. -- Bankruptcy filings in the state are up about 30 percent from this time last year, particularly among seniors struggling with medical expenses.

In the western half of Wisconsin, there were about 7,000 filings for all of last year. This year there were almost that many as of last month.

In eastern Wisconsin, there were more than 14,000 bankruptcy filings by Oct. 1. That number is also up about 30 percent from the previous year.

Marcia Anderson, clerk of courts for the Western District of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, said the increase is probably a function of job losses and health issues.

She said more people over 60 are filing for bankruptcy, especially those who are trying to pay medical expenses on fixed incomes.