The high cost of health care has long been a significant burden for U.S. families, influencing decisions about insurance coverage and access to care. Recent findings from Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) polling reaffirm Americans’ persistent financial challenges and highlight the urgent need to address healthcare affordability. These issues were particularly relevant as they shaped public opinion heading into the 2024 presidential election, where reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs is a top priority for many voters. Let’s explore the key takeaways from the latest data and how tools such as discount medical plan organizations (DMPOs), like ChiroHealthUSA, can help ease the financial strain. (Lopes, Montero, Marley, & Hamel, 2024)
The Financial Strain of Health Care Costs
Approximately half of U.S. adults report difficulty affording health care expenses, and one in four say they, or a household member, have struggled to pay for medical care in the past year. The financial strain is significantly pronounced among younger adults, individuals with lower incomes, and those without insurance. For example, 85% of uninsured adults under 65 find it difficult to afford health care, compared to 47% of insured adults. Additionally, racial disparities persist, with 60% of Black adults and 65% of Hispanic adults reporting financial challenges related to health care costs, compared to 39% of White adults.
Skipping or Delaying Necessary Care
The high cost of care has significant consequences for health outcomes. One in four adults say they have postponed or skipped needed medical care due to cost in the past 12 months. This trend is even more alarming among uninsured adults, 61% of whom report delaying care for financial reasons. Women are more likely than men to forego care (28% vs. 21%), and adults under 65 are particularly vulnerable compared to seniors with Medicare coverage.
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Health Care Debt
Healthcare debt is a pervasive issue, affecting 41% of U.S. adults. This includes unpaid medical, dental bills and loans/credit card debt incurred to pay for care. Black and Hispanic adults, women, and individuals with lower incomes, are disproportionately affected. About half of adults with medical debt say the cost has prevented them from accessing additional care.
How ChiroHealthUSA Can Help
In the face of these challenges, tools such as ChiroHealthUSA offer practical solutions to make health care more affordable. As a discount medical plan organization (DMPO), ChiroHealthUSA partners with chiropractors to provide discounted rates for patient services. Membership in ChiroHealthUSA allows patients to access care at reduced costs, helping to alleviate the financial burden of out-of-pocket expenses such as co-pays, deductibles, and non-covered services. Learn more at https://www.chirohealthusa.com/pds.
For individuals who may otherwise skip or delay care due to cost, ChiroHealthUSA can be a game-changer. Patients can prioritize their health without fear of financial strain by taking advantage of predictable and transparent pricing. ChiroHealthUSA makes care affordable for patients, and providers participating with ChiroHeatlhUSA see an average of 20% increase in revenue by implementing a Profitable Discount Strategy in their practice.
The data makes it clear: health care affordability remains a critical challenge for millions of Americans. Policymakers and healthcare providers must work together to find solutions that reduce costs and ensure equitable access to care. At the same time, tools such as ChiroHealthUSA provide an immediate and impactful way to address cost concerns for chiropractic patients. Voters’ emphasis on healthcare affordability during the recent election signals an opportunity for meaningful reform to ease the financial burdens on families and improve health outcomes across the country.
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.
