Poll shows half of Americans now struggle to afford health care

THURSDAY, Oct. 26, 2023 (HealthDay News) — More than half of working-age Americans struggle to afford health care, and many are forgoing care, potentially putting their health at risk, a new survey shows.

The Commonwealth Fund survey of more than 7,800 people ages 19 and older between April and July found that 51% of Americans struggle to afford health care, with 32% carrying medical debt. More than half of medical debt is incurred during care of an ongoing health condition, rather than a one-time or unexpected health event. About 57% said they delayed or didn’t get care because of concerns about cost, exacerbating health problems.

About 43% of those with employer insurance, 45% of those with Medicaid, 51% of those with Medicare and 57% of those with Marketplace or individual market plans said they had difficulty affording care.

The numbers are staggering. 85% have medical debt of $500 or more. Nearly half have $2,000 or more in debt. More than two-thirds of medical debtors said they pay their healthcare providers directly.

About 38% said they delayed or skipped health care or prescription drugs in the past year because they couldn’t afford the cost. 29% of them have an employer plan. More people who skip care are covered by individual market plans (37%), Medicaid (39%) or Medicare (42%).

This has also led to a squeeze on their household budgets, the report said. About 57% of working-age adults say they spend 10% or more of their monthly budget on health care costs. For market participants and low-income individuals with employer plans, nearly a quarter reported spending 25% or more of their monthly budget on health care expenses.

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