Americans Face Healthcare Affordability Challenges
A new Ipsos poll reveals that insured Americans are experiencing significant difficulties with healthcare costs, including out-of-pocket expenses and insurance premiums.
A new Ipsos study highlights that insured Americans are struggling considerably with healthcare affordability. The April 2023 survey indicates that 32% identified out-of-pocket costs, such as copays, deductibles, and out-of-network charges, as their primary concern. Additionally, 26% cited the cost of health insurance premiums, with 19% expressing worry over system inefficiency and bureaucracy.
Households with lower incomes and minority groups face particular hardships. The research showed that up to 57% of insured individuals are concerned about their ability to afford out-of-pocket costs, and 51% are concerned about health insurance premiums. These concerns are surpassed only by worries about affording monthly groceries (49%) and general hospital or doctor visits (47%).
Nearly one-fifth (17%) of insured Americans currently have outstanding medical debt. Regarding reasons for difficulty affording out-of-pocket expenses, 15% stated their insurer will not cover needed healthcare services or medicines.
Furthermore, patients face substantial insurance-related barriers. 38% experienced some form of insurance barrier in the past year. Common issues included waiting for prior authorization for prescribed medications (22%) and an insurer not covering a doctor-recommended drug (20%).