Rising healthcare costs are an increasingly pressing issue for many Americans, affecting their ability to access and afford necessary medical care. Among those feeling the strain are patients seeking chiropractic care, who are particularly burdened by the financial implications of their health needs.
The Financial Burden of Healthcare Costs
A staggering 49 million adults in the United States, including 7.5 million aged 65 and older, consider the cost of healthcare to be a “major burden” on their households. This widespread financial strain is causing significant stress and anxiety, especially as healthcare expenses continue to rise, underscoring the urgency of the issue. (Lopes, Montero, Presiado, & Hamel, 2024)
Confidence in Financial Preparedness
Nearly half (46%) of U.S. adults have little or no confidence that they will have the financial resources to pay for healthcare as they age. This lack of confidence is not confined to those without Medicare; it affects 33% of eligible individuals for the program. The uncertainty about future healthcare costs is a significant concern, leading many to worry about how they will manage into their later years. (Gallup, 2024)
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Access to Quality, Affordable Healthcare
Access to quality, affordable healthcare remains a significant issue for 31% of Americans, including 20% of those over 65. These levels represent high points in West Health‑Gallup polling, indicating a growing number of people who feel they cannot obtain the healthcare they need at an affordable price. This lack of access can lead to delayed treatments, worsening health conditions, and increased healthcare costs in the long run. (Gallup, 2024)
Impact of Healthcare Costs on Chiropractic Patients
Chiropractic care is essential to many individuals’ healthcare routines, providing relief from pain and improving overall well-being. However, the rising healthcare costs are making it increasingly difficult for patients to afford these services. Chiropractors should be aware of the following challenges:
Patient Retention: As healthcare costs rise, patients may forgo or reduce the frequency of their chiropractic visits, which can impact their overall health and the sustainability of chiropractic practices.
Education on Preventive Care: Educating patients about the long-term benefits of chiropractic care and preventive measures is not just about their health, it’s about their financial well-being. This can help them understand the value of investing in their health, potentially reducing future healthcare costs.
Skipped or Postponed Care: One in four adults say they have skipped or postponed getting healthcare in the past year due to the cost. Notably, 61% of uninsured adults reported going without needed care because of the price.
Health Insurance Worries: Even those with health insurance are not immune to the burden of healthcare costs. Nearly half (48%) of insured adults worry about affording their monthly premiums, and many rate their insurance coverage as “fair” or “poor” when it comes to premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Widespread Financial Anxiety: About three in four adults worry about affording unexpected medical bills (74%) and healthcare services (73%). Moreover, about half of adults could not pay an unexpected $500 medical bill without incurring debt.
Rising healthcare costs are a significant concern for many Americans, including those seeking chiropractic care. Don’t let the cost of care become a barrier to care. Schedule a consult with ChiroHealthUSA today to learn how you can implement a profitable discount strategy in your practice. With ChiroHealthUSA, your patients can access affordable chiropractic care while your practice remains profitable.
Dr. Ray Foxworth, DC, FICC, is the visionary behind ChiroHealthUSA, serving as its esteemed founder and CEO. With over 39 years of dedicated service in chiropractic care, Dr. Foxworth has navigated the complexities of billing, coding, documentation, and compliance firsthand. His rich experience includes roles as the former Staff Chiropractor at the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center and past chairman of the Chiropractic Summit and Mississippi Department of Health.
Dr. Foxworth is deeply committed to advancing the chiropractic profession, which is evident through his leadership roles. He is an at-large board member of the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan and holds an executive board position with the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.
