Home / Health / Rhode Islanders Skip Care Over Cost Fears
Rhode Islanders Skip Care Over Cost Fears
3 Sep
Summary
- Nearly 30% of Rhode Islanders delayed medical care due to cost concerns last year.
- Affordability issues significantly impact access to necessary healthcare services.
- Public support is high for a URI medical school and doctor loan forgiveness.
A recent survey indicates that unaffordable healthcare costs are a significant barrier to care in Rhode Island. Approximately 29 percent of residents reported delaying medical treatment for themselves or household members within the last year due to cost concerns. This situation is particularly worrying as delaying care can lead to poorer health outcomes.
The survey, conducted from July 29 to August 13, 2026, included 500 Rhode Island adults. It found that 47 percent of those who delayed care cited inability to afford it, while 23 percent found it not worth the cost. Despite these challenges, a strong majority of Rhode Islanders support measures to improve healthcare access.
Furthermore, 82 percent of respondents backed establishing a public medical school at the University of Rhode Island, and 76 percent supported loan forgiveness for doctors practicing in the state. These proposals are seen as potential solutions to the state's shortage of primary care providers. Residents also expressed high trust in healthcare providers over political figures or agencies for health information.
