Many Americans still struggle to pay for medical care, according to a CarePayment/ 20|20 Research survey.
The survey, conducted between Nov. 20 and Dec. 8, involved 1,000 Americans. Nearly half of respondents (43 percent) reported medical coverage through their employer. Twenty-five percent were Medicare beneficiaries. Fifty-two percent of respondents reported a deductible exceeding $1,000.
Here are five takeaways from the survey.
1. A majority of respondents (61 percent) said they don't have any money saved for their healthcare expenses.
2. A similar number of respondents (64 percent) said they avoided or delayed medical care in the last year due to anticipated expenses.
3. Among respondents who avoided or delayed care, 23 percent reported delaying or avoiding follow-up care after being hospitalized, according to the survey. Additionally, 18 percent avoided or delayed a physician wellness visit, and 12 percent avoided or delayed prescribed rehabilitation or therapy following a surgery or procedure.
4. Forty-four percent of respondents said they would avoid needed medical care if they knew their out-of-pocket costs would exceed $500.
5. Nearly 70 percent of respondents said affording their deductible was at least "somewhat difficult." Twenty-two percent said affording their deductible was "very difficult" or "impossible."
More articles on healthcare finance:
Donations to USC medical school fall 55% after dean, faculty scandals
U of Texas Health renames cancer center after donors of $25M gift
10 recent hospital, health system outlook and credit rating actions