Americans cutting back on health care to save money

[babylonsister]

Americans cutting back on health care to save money

By David Lightman | McClatchy Newspapers


WASHINGTON -- Many Americans have been putting off doctors' visits, forgoing medical tests and taking expired medications to save money over the past year, according to a new poll by Consumers Union.

The survey by the nonpartisan organization found that 51 percent of Americans have "faced difficult health care choices in the past year."

snip//

However, they're increasingly concerned about the state of their own health care. According to the Consumers Union poll, 28 percent have lost or endured cutbacks in coverage in the past year, and the trend has been widespread across income groups. Thirty-four percent of those with household incomes of less than $50,000 annually experienced those changes, but so did 21 percent of those with household incomes above $100,000.

The Consumers Union survey of 1,002 adults from Sept. 17 to 20 found that among the ways people have tried to cut back on health care costs:

-- 28 percent put off doctors' visits.

-- 25 percent have been unable to afford medical bills or medication.

-- 22 percent put off medical procedures.

-- 20 percent declined medical tests.

-- 20 percent skipped filling prescriptions.

-- 15 percent took expired medication.

-- 15 percent skipped scheduled dosages of prescriptions.

more...

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/76733.html

[Dulcinea]

1. I'm not surprised.

My health plan charges a $25 copay for a yearly ob/gyn visit, as opposed to $10 for everything else. It seems women's health care is considered a "specialty visit." WTF?

A good friend is having trouble with her knees, but doesn't want to see a dr. because her deductible is very high & she'll have to pay out-of-pocket to see someone.

And they wonder why we need health care reform?

[Coyote_Bandit]

2. With the health care choices that many are being forced to make

and with all of the talk of meaningful healthcare reform the sitting Dem President with a majority in both the House and Senate would be advised to be attentive to the desire and need for reform. Some of those folks who hoped and believed that this Dem administration would bring hope and change are not going to bother to show up at the polls next time around. Can't say I blame them. Seems to be business as usual serving the corporate interests.

[ejpoeta]

3. yep, that copay is enuogh to make a person think twice before going to the doctors.

I know that I myself have thought twice before calling the doctor about something for myself. but not for the kids if they had insurance.... when Emy didn't have insurance we would hold our breath and hope the fever was nothing. Just the flu. Ended up in the ER a couple of times. That is the most awful gut wrenching feeling I have ever felt in my life. For me, I can wait.... I can let it go. but as a parent.... when all you want to do is find out what's wrong and get it better.

It's funny, because when I was in the hospital having my daughter a couple of weeks ago.... when I considered having the epidural, I hesitated partially because I was concerned about if the insurance company would cover it. Would it be deemed unnecessary like the dentist visit for my 4 year old the gas they gave her was not covered.... for a FOUR YEAR OLD!!! but i don't know if it was or not.... I couldn't take the pain anymore. And I didn't ahve it with the other two kids... I had them within five hours. But after five hours and i was only 4 cm.... I was like... give me the epi.I just couldn't take it anymore.

That's why even people WITH insurance are not safe. It infuriates me when people with insurance refuse to see that. My brother in law just lost his job and as far as I know has no insurance. His kids thankfully are on Child health plus. So when his son got sick and just spent a week in the hospital while they ran all kinds of tests trying to find out what was wrong with him.... he didn't have to worry about how he was going to pay for it on top of trying to find a job and worrying about his son's health. If this is "american".... then I don't think much of the american way.

[LeftHander]

4. Good...people die quicker....it is what Republicans wanted.

Also keeps the masses of sick people out of the hospital so the white people can get their gout treated while they get fake boobs and a free colonoscopy.