A recent study by KFF polling found that nearly half of U.S. Adults report difficulty affording healthcare costs, and approximately three in ten have experienced problems paying for medical expenses in the past year. This financial strain is prompting some individuals to delay or forgo necessary medical care, a pattern that experts warn can lead to more severe health issues and increased long-term costs.
The tendency to postpone care isn’t limited to those lacking insurance. Even insured Americans are increasingly delaying treatment due to high deductibles, co-pays, and the overall cost of care, according to a report from New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Employer-sponsored family coverage now averages nearly $27,000 per year in the U.S., with workers contributing approximately $6,850 towards premiums alone.
This pattern of delayed care is particularly concerning given the aging U.S. Population and the rising prevalence of chronic conditions. A 2023 literature review published in Frontiers in Public Health highlighted the growing medical expense burden among older adults, emphasizing the need for governments to address affordability and implement measures to reduce costs. The study noted that limited research exists on total medical expenditure from a macro perspective, but the trend of increasing costs is clear.
The financial consequences of delaying care extend beyond individual hardship. The KFF poll revealed that about one-third of adults have skipped or postponed healthcare in the past year due to cost, with that number rising to 75% among the uninsured. This can lead to worsening health outcomes, increased emergency room visits, and higher system costs. Approximately 21% of adults have not filled a prescription due to cost, and similar shares have opted for over-the-counter alternatives or reduced dosages to save money.
The situation is further complicated by expiring federal policies designed to enhance affordability. Enhanced ACA premium tax credits are set to expire, potentially exposing millions of families to significant premium increases, as highlighted in the New York City Comptroller’s report. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that allowing these subsidies to lapse could increase the number of uninsured Americans by 2.2 million in the first year, rising to 3.9 million by 2028.
The CDC reports that obesity affects 21% of children and 40% of adults, increasing their risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In 2022, the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes alone was $413 billion in medical costs and lost productivity.
The OECD’s 2023 Health at a Glance report provides a broader international context, indicating that long-term care spending and unit costs are significant concerns across member nations. However, the specific challenges facing the U.S. Healthcare system – including high prices and a complex insurance landscape – contribute to the unique difficulties experienced by American families.
