More People Skipping Health Care Because of Financial Concerns

U.S. patients are putting off health care services because of growing concerns as the economy worsens, the AP/Salt Lake Tribune reports.

A survey released on Tuesday by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 36% of U.S. residents have delayed medical care in the past year because of cost, up from 29% in April. About three in 10 say they have skipped a recommended test or treatment.

In addition, a survey conducted in July by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found that 11% of residents have reduced the number of medications they take or have decreased the dosage because of cost.

According to an analysis conducted recently by IMS Health, U.S. prescription drug sales decreased by 0.4% in the second quarter, the first time that sales have not increased in at least the past 12 years.

Dick Clarke, president of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, said that elective surgeries, diagnostic tests and outpatient procedures in recent months have decreased by about 1% to 2% at many hospitals, compared with the 2% to 4% annual increase expected as the population ages.

At the same time, hospitals have reported an increased number of patients, many of whom lack health insurance, who seek care in emergency departments, Clarke said.

The U.S. unemployment rate has increased from 4.7% to 6.1% over the past year, and many residents who have lost their jobs also have lost their health insurance. However, the "uninsured are not the only patients feeling the economy's sting," the AP/Tribune reports (Tanner/Johnson, AP/Salt Lake Tribune, 10/22).