More than half of Americans have delayed medical care for themselves over the last 12 months because of the high cost, according to recent surveys from Earnin, a mobile technology finance service.
Among those delaying care, 54 percent delayed dental or orthodontic work, 43 percent delayed eye care and 30 percent denied annual exams. Almost a quarter of Americans also reported putting off medical care for more than a year due to affordability.
Nearly half, 49 percent, said their health takes a back seat to other financial obligations. Another recent survey from Bankrate revealed that just 39 percent of Americans could afford an unexpected expense of $1,000 with savings, revealing that many don’t have extra cash to pay for healthcare services.
Other significant debts, such as student loan debt, could mean Americans are delaying more than just medical care. Compared to wages, healthcare costs have risen much faster. Ever-rising healthcare costs are also found to be an economic killer.
Healthcare costs are also a huge issue for voters in the November midterm elections, polls have suggested.
“We have a healthcare system that forces many to choose subsistence at the expense of their future well-being,” Earnin economist Peter Griffin said in a statement. “Healthcare often gets put on the back burner when money is tight and skipping preventative care can have detrimental long-term effects. Americans are tough, but perceived resiliency is costing all of us greatly.”
The surveys queried Earnin customers in September and were conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Earnin.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."