More than a third of Americans cannot afford quality medical care.
This figure represents around 91 million people, according to a survey published on April 2 and conducted by Gallup and West Health, and is a record number for the four -year investigation.
The survey results arise as health care costs are increasing and some people have experienced health insurance coverage due to police changes. The results of the study indicate that the wealthy experience little or no change in their access or their ability to afford health care, while low -income Americans are excluded. Dan Witters, one of the investigation authors and researchers, said this is probably due to inflation.
“If you earn less than $ 25,000 per year, it can absolutely make the difference between if you can spend money or not,” said Witters, who is also the research director of Gallup National Health and Welling Index, when you talk about the capacity to allow yourself health care.
The researchers divided respondents into survey in three categories – cost secure, cost a cost and costs desperate – depending on their ability to access and pay for medicine and care. They found that the percentage of people unable to afford health expenses was the fastest among low -income, black and Hispanic Americans.
At the same time, 25% of households earn less than $ 24,000 per year said they could not afford and access essential drugs and care in 2024, compared to 14% in 2021.
While white adults have not seen any change during the same period, Hispanic and black adults experienced a drop of eight and five percentage of cost security percentage, respectively.
Witters said the costs are the highest for those who live along the Bible belt in the regions of the Center-West and the South-South. He added that fewer people in these regions are assured and have greater health complications, such as obesity and diabetes.
“The people who are most sick in this country, who have the most chronic conditions, who require the most prescription drugs, are also those who are the least likely to be able to afford and access our health system,” said Witters.
Witters added that a third of those deemed to be desperate in the survey reduce public services or food to pay medical costs.
Others take debt: West Health and Gallup recently reported that in 2024, 12% of Americans borrowed money to pay health care, which amounted to around $ 74 billion borrowed.
In addition, low -income Americans rely on Medicaid for Health Insurance are preparing for potentially less advantages. In February, the House Republicans adopted a proposed budget which aims to reduce $ 880 billion in Medicaid fund in the next 10 years.
The Institute of Economic Policy noted that these Medicaid Cups could have an impact in a disproportionate manner to black and Hispanic Americans who are more likely to count on Medicaid for health care coverage.
Do you have a story to share on being unable to allow you your medical expenses? Contact this journalist by email to jdeng@businessinsider.com.
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