Only 34% of Americans have visited their primary care doctor previously yr.
A recent survey of two,000 U.S. adults examined their biggest barriers to healthcare access.
Out-of-pocket expenses were a serious concern, with 53% stating this could impact their decision to not seek medical care in the event that they needed it.
Nearly half (49%) also cited lack of transportation to the ability where they would want care or being unable to afford the ride.
While nearly half (49%) budget for out-of-pocket expenses, there have been differences amongst generations polled. Gen X led the charge in planning for these costs (54%), in comparison with baby boomers (39%).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Assurance IQ, results also found just over two-thirds (67%) feel knowledgeable about how their medical insurance plan works.
Gen X respondents were more prone to share this sentiment (71%), in comparison with only 48% of Gen Z.
Overall, seven in 10 (72%) are confident they know exactly what’s and isn’t covered by their current medical insurance plan.
Yet an identical generational disparity was present. Around three in 4 Gen X survey-takers felt well-informed (78%), while only 53% of Gen Z did.
Moreover, the information revealed knowledge gaps in people’s understanding of healthcare within the U.S.
Nearly one-third (32%) don’t feel informed about how the American healthcare system works.
While many felt confident they may explain terms comparable to preventative care (53%) and out-of-pocket (OOP) limit or maximum OOP (48%) to others, respondents were less sure they knew the difference between an FSA and HSA (36%) and what an FSA is (35%).
“Medical health insurance might be confusing to navigate, and our research shows this is very true for younger people,” said Kate Long, consumer financial wellness advocate at Assurance IQ. “Many individuals find yourself enrolling in a plan where they don’t understand how much they are going to find yourself spending. Or a plan that doesn’t cover their unique needs. This could cause them to forgo critical care if it results in an unexpected expense.”
Nearly half (49%) of individuals polled said they like the present American healthcare industry, with 43% saying it could use minor changes.
The highest 3 ways to enhance it? Encourage more people to make use of preventative care (41%), increase access to quality insurance coverage (33%) and eliminate the fee-for-service payment system (28%).
“For a lot of, there are barriers to finding quality coverage,” Long added. “Especially for individuals who don’t receive insurance through an employer. People often don’t know all the choices available to them by way of plans or financial subsidies, in order that they either go without or select a plan that doesn’t address their needs. Talking to a licensed insurance agent who asks the best questions could make the method much easier.
Top reasons Americans would forgo medical care
- I couldn’t work out how much the appointment, treatment or service would cost me out of pocket – 53%
- I don’t have transportation to the ability where I’d have to get treatment (e.g., the doctor’s office) or can’t afford to pay for transportation – 49%
- I’m too busy, and I’d relatively wait until the issue is more urgent – 28%
- I generally don’t like going to the doctor – 24%
