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Medical Debt Leads to Skipped Health Care
16 Mar
Summary
- Medical debt significantly increases the likelihood of delaying essential health services.
- Dental care is the most commonly postponed service among those with medical debt.
- Delaying care due to debt poses risks for worsening health conditions and new illnesses.
Financial strain from medical debt is significantly impacting individuals' ability to access necessary healthcare. A recent study revealed that those struggling with hospital and doctor bills are far more prone to delaying medical, dental, and mental health services. This avoidance of routine or preventative care can worsen existing health conditions, ultimately making them more costly to address.
The research indicated that dental care is the most frequently postponed service among individuals with medical debt. More than 42% of those with debt delayed dental visits, compared to less than 18% without debt. This might stem from dental care often not being fully covered by insurance plans.
Beyond dental care, approximately 23% of individuals with medical debt reported delaying general medical care, and about 14% delayed mental health services. These postponements place individuals at higher risk for health problems that could have been addressed early, potentially leading to other severe conditions.
Uninsured adults are disproportionately affected, with nearly 33% reporting delays in needed care due to medical debt, compared to 17% of those with insurance. Policies addressing affordability and the broader impact of medical debt are deemed critical to mitigating these health and economic consequences.
