New Kaiser survey finds health care costs a major economic challenge for Americans

A new Kaiser Foundation poll explores the economic concerns facing families because of recent changes in the economy (Source: "Americans rank health care near the top of their economic woes, new poll finds," Press Release, Kaiser Family Foundation, April 29, 2008).  Findings from the survey include:

• 28 percent reported having a serious problem paying for health care, behind paying for gas (44 percent) and getting a good job or a pay raise (29 percent)
• 28 percent of families with incomes between $30,000 and $75,000 reported a serious problem paying for health care or health insurance

On a question about the economic consequences of medical bills the survey found:

• 37 percent indicated at least one of six financial troubles over the past five years related to medical bill obligations.  These problems included: 20 percent having difficulties paying other bills; 20 percent contacted by a collection agency; 17 percent using up all or most of their savings; 12 percent being unable to pay for basic necessities; 10 percent borrowing money; and 3 percent declaring bankruptcy.

Other findings from this poll are:

• 42 percent reported that they or a family member have faced difficulty obtaining health care becasue of costs, including: 29 percent who postponed getting needed care; 24 percent who skipped a recommended test or treatment (up from 17 percent in 2005); 23 percent who did not fill a prescription, 19 percent who cut pills in half or skipped taking medication; or 8 percent who had problems getting mental health care
• 23 percent noted that they or a family member stayed with a current job versus take a new position or took a new job because of health benefits
• 7 percent stated that they or a member of their household got married to allow one of the couple to obtain health benefits