Despite Americans spending more on health care per capita than any other developed nation, nearly half report struggling to afford medical treatment or prescription drugs, according to a recent study by Gallup and West Health. The study reveals that about 45% of Americans have recently had to skip necessary treatment or medication due to costs or accessibility issues. Of these, around 8% are classified as “cost desperate,” meaning they would be unable to access affordable care if needed today.
Financial Struggles and Health Care Costs
While 55% of Americans are deemed “cost secure,” capable of affording their care and medications, this percentage has decreased from 61% in 2022. The increasing difficulty in managing health care costs is attributed to higher inflation and a shift toward insurance plans with higher deductibles and less comprehensive coverage. Tim Lash, president of West Health, a nonprofit focused on promoting affordable medical care, highlighted that 94% of those surveyed believe that Americans are paying too much for health care without receiving adequate value in return.
“We see individuals and families making decisions that no one should have to make, from ‘Should I go on vacation or do I pay for health care and medication,’ or at the worst, ‘How do I ration my food to afford my prescriptions?'” Lash said. “As the wealthiest and most developed country, that’s not where we should be.”
Health Care Spending Comparisons
Americans spend an average of $12,555 per person annually on health care, significantly higher than the average of $6,651 in other developed nations, according to the Peterson-KFF Health Care Tracker. This disparity highlights the growing concern over health care affordability in the U.S.
Rising Insurance Costs and Barriers to Care
The average family insurance deductible in the U.S. has risen from $2,500 in 2013 to about $3,800 in 2022. The IRS considers insurance plans with deductibles of $3,200 or more to be high deductible plans. Even those with health insurance struggle to afford care, facing obstacles like prior authorization denials and claim rejections from insurers. This issue was underscored by recent protests at UnitedHealthcare’s headquarters, where demonstrators accused the company of blocking access to necessary care.
Aija Nemer-Aanerud, campaign director with the People’s Action Institute, stated, “Health insurance coverage has expanded in America, but we are finding it is private health insurance corporations themselves that are often the largest barrier for people to receive the care they and their doctor agree they need.”
Demographic Disparities
The Gallup-West Health study also revealed significant disparities in health care affordability among different demographics. Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to struggle with medical costs, and older Americans between 50 to 64, who do not yet qualify for Medicare, face increased challenges in affording care and medications.
Opportunity for Reform
Lash sees potential for reform in the study’s findings, emphasizing that the data clearly identifies health care affordability as a critical issue that demands attention. “For me, there is an opportunity in the data — this clearly demonstrates this is a pain point that isn’t acceptable,” Lash said. “I’m hopeful we can leverage these types of results to engage in meaningful reform.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the high cost of health care in the U.S. continues to place a significant burden on many Americans, forcing them to make difficult choices between essential needs and medical care. The data from Gallup and West Health underscores the urgent need for reforms to make health care more affordable and accessible for all.