Most Americans get health insurance through their job, but getting timely and affordable care remains an obstacle Millions can't afford the care they need, skipping doctor visits and prescription refills A large percentage are struggling to pay off thousands of dollars in medical debt THURSDAY, Nov. 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- U.S.
health care costs are among the world's highest, and 1 in 4 adults with health coverage struggle with high out-of-pocket costs, a new survey shows. The survey -- by the Commonwealth Fund, a health-care focused think tank -- finds that most people have coverage offered by employers, but their policies don't always provide timely or affordable access to care. As a result, many Americans don't get needed prescriptions filled and skip ongoing care, causing their health problems become worse and more costly to treat.
"Millions of families across the U.S. can't afford the care they need, including many who are managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease," said , a primary care physician who is president of the Commonwealth Fund.
"I routinely see patients facing unexpected costs that prevent them from getting essential care to stay well and avoid illness," he said in a Commonwealth Fund news release. "At the end of the day, these financial barriers ripple through our health care system, driving up costs -- with preventable hospitalizations being just one of many costly consequences." Between March and June, the Commonwealth Fund asked a r.