Share this @internewscast.com

Out of pocket premiums go up as health insurance open enrollment begins


Out of pocket premiums go up as health insurance open enrollment begins

02:30

Paying for health care is a struggle even for many Americans with health insurance, who say they are having trouble affording rising premiums, copayments and related costs. 

More than half — 51% — of working-age Americans say they struggle to afford their health care, according a Commonwealth Fund survey released Thursday. About 4 in 10 workers with employer-sponsored plans or who are on Medicaid say they have difficulty paying, while that rises to about 6 in 10 people who buy coverage through the ACA marketplaces, the study found.

 Meanwhile, about 3 in 4 people without insurance say they have problems with paying for their care. 

Because costs are so high, almost two in five — 38% — of Americans reported delaying or skipping necessary treatment or medication. Health care costs are also straining household budgets, with roughly 30% of working-age adults with health insurance saying these expenses make it difficult to afford essentials like food and utilities. 

“This survey reveals that millions of Americans, regardless of their insurance status, cannot afford to be healthy,” health care scholar and lead study author Sara Collins said in a statement. “High health care costs are forcing them to delay needed treatments. As a result, they get sicker and may take on significant medical debt.”

She emphasized the importance of creating policies that expand coverage and reign in health care costs so that Americans can afford to stay healthy. 

Commonwealth Fund President Joseph Betancourt, M.D., suggested that high health care costs are correlated to Americans having one of the highest rates of chronic disease in the world. 

“This is unsustainable for our health care system, and our nation — we need major reforms to ensure people can get the care they need, when they need it most,” he said in a statement.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Uncover the Oral Clues: Two Mouth Signs Indicating a Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Many of us are aware that our bodies thrive on a balanced…

Urgent Health Advisory: December Cough and Cold Alert Issued for Public Safety

The holiday season, while filled with cheer and celebration, also signals the…

Unlock the Secret to Ageless Living: 55-Year-Old Reveals One Effortless Tip to Maintain a Youthful Biological Age

At 55, Gary Brecka claims his biological age is a youthful 20,…

New Study Reveals Surprising Health Benefits of Dog Licks: Boost Your Well-being with Canine Affection

Scientists suggest that a dog’s lick could enhance the mental well-being of…

Sir David Attenborough Reveals Key Health Choice Fueling His Longevity at 99

In May, Sir David Attenborough marked his 99th birthday, attributing his enhanced…

Expert Nutritionist Reveals the Truth About Apple Stickers and What You Should Know

During your routine grocery shopping, you might have come across small stickers…

New Alzheimer’s Medication Shows Potential to Extend Cognitive Health by Up to 8 Years

A drug for Alzheimer’s, previously dismissed as too expensive for the NHS,…

Health Minister Wes Streeting Confronted Over Critical NHS Concerns During Public Encounter

Protesters confronted Wes Streeting outside his office, accusing him of avoiding a…

Emotional Breakthrough: Cancer Patient’s Heartfelt Phone Call Sparks First Tears Since Diagnosis

Recently, I found myself shedding a few tears—six, to be precise. They…