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

“I Faced Death Seven Times and Didn’t See a Bright Light or Tunnel”

Shona Hirons experienced nothing when she nearly died (Image: Jam Press) A…

Cautionary Alert: Popular Supplement Linked to Potential Organ Damage and Nerve Issues

Britons taking a host of over-the-counter supplements are risking organ damage  and…

Authorities Extend Beach Closures for July 4th Over Dangerous Bacteria Concerns

Clear skies and warm waters may tempt many to head to the…

For Optimal Health Benefits, Drink Coffee at This Specific Time

Whether it’s the flavour, the ritual, or the energising boost, coffee is…

Avoid Storing Toothbrushes on the Sink: An Activity That Allows Bacteria to Linger

Many people believe their bathroom is clean as long as it looks…

Optometrists Recommend Popular Diet Change to Enhance Vision

Eye doctors have urged people to start consuming specific foods if they…

Daily Bite of Food Consumed by 75 Million Americans Linked to Cancer

Experts are sounding the alarm over a common food that – in…

Scientists Identify Eight Daily Habits That Boost Heart Health and Reduce Mortality Risk

A recent study has discovered that scoring low on Life’s Essential 8…

Mom Shares Overlooked Symptom That Led to Shocking Bowel Cancer Diagnosis

A mum has revealed the unexplained symptom she experienced for months before…

Medical Experts Alert: Worrisome Trend Endangers Millions in the U.S. with Aggressive Cancer Risks

A fringe theory is catching fire online, and health experts are sounding…

Experts Suggest Many Diagnosed with ADHD Could Actually Have a Different Common Disorder

A major new analysis has fueled concerns over the accuracy of tests…