More Americans skipping healthcare due to costs

If you’re seeing fewer patients, it might be because the high costs of health insurance and healthcare are causing more Americans to go without care, according to a new study.

A report by the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation, found that 9 million working-age adults became uninsured in the last two years. Only 25% of people who lost employer health insurance were able to find another source of coverage, and only 14% continued their job-based coverage through COBRA.

Of adults who tried to buy coverage, 71% found it difficult or impossible to find an affordable plan or were denied or charged more for coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

The number of adults who reported problems obtaining healthcare due to cost has jumped during the past decade. In 2001, 23 million adults reported having a medical problem, but not visiting a doctor or clinic. The number was 49 million in 2010. The increases were similar for those who reported not filling prescriptions, skipping treatment, and not seeking a specialist’s care. More here.