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

Unexpected Menopause Symptom Revealed: The Surprising Impact on Health

Every year, approximately 1.3 million women in the United States transition into…

UK Aid Cuts Risk 300,000 Preventable Deaths, Warn Charities

Anticipation is mounting in the UK as it prepares to reduce its…

Jill Scott Opens Up About Challenges in Sports, Highlights Key Barriers Facing Women Athletes

In a recent survey, it was revealed that 64% of women have…

Tesco Issues Urgent Recall of Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs Over Wheat Contamination Concerns

Tesco has announced a recall of its gluten-free white breadcrumbs due to…

26-Year-Old Woman Highlights Key Bowel Cancer Symptoms She Wishes She Had Recognized

A 26-year-old woman undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer is urging everyone to…

Unveiling the Truth: Surprising Facts About Your Immune System You Didn’t Know

You’ve likely heard that gulping down vitamin C can fend off a…

Surge in NHS Waiting Lists Driven by Increased Demand for Weight-Loss Injections and Autism & ADHD Evaluations

Growing interest in weight-loss injections and evaluations for autism and ADHD has…

Unlocking the Truth: NHS GP Reveals the Real Effectiveness of the Flu Jab

As the colder months approach, the inevitable cold and flu season is…

Eye Movements May Predict Serious Health Conditions Years Before Symptoms Emerge

Eye-tracking technology may offer a more affordable alternative for detecting a genetic…

Researchers Highlight Cannabis as a Vital Aid in Cancer Patient Recovery

In a groundbreaking development, scientists have unveiled a cannabis-derived medication that could…