A recent survey by the Commonwealth Fund reveals that 23% of working-age adults with health insurance struggle to afford care due to high out-of-pocket costs.
The findings highlight ongoing challenges in access to affordable healthcare for many Americans, even among those with coverage.
The survey, conducted during the spring and early summer of this year, shows that 56% of respondents had consistent insurance and adequate access to affordable services. However, gaps remain significant. Twelve percent of participants reported losing their coverage at some point in the past year, despite being insured at the time of the survey, while 9% were uninsured altogether.
The report points to underinsurance—defined as having insurance but still facing high out-of-pocket costs relative to household income—as a key issue.
According to the findings, underinsured and uninsured individuals are more likely to delay necessary care due to financial barriers. Nearly half of all respondents reported postponing healthcare services because of the cost.
The problem is particularly pronounced among those with employer-sponsored insurance, the primary source of coverage for most U.S. adults.
The survey notes that rising healthcare costs have prompted employers to shift more financial responsibility onto employees through higher deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and copayments.
For underinsured respondents, 57% reported forgoing needed services such as prescription medications, specialist consultations, or follow-up treatments due to cost. The figure rises to 70% for those who were uninsured at any time in the past year. Among individuals who delayed care, nearly half who experienced a period of being uninsured reported that their health worsened as a result.
Medical debt also emerged as a significant concern. Forty-four percent of underinsured respondents reported owing money for medical or dental care, compared to 35% of those who had been uninsured during the year.
The findings underscore the challenges many Americans face in accessing affordable healthcare and the potential consequences of delaying care. With high out-of-pocket costs and gaps in coverage persisting, the survey raises questions about the sustainability of the current system.
What are your thoughts on the financial hurdles to accessing healthcare? Share your perspective in the comments below.
