CMR

Record Numbers Are Postponing Their Medical Care For Money

Washington, D.C.-More and more of Americans are putting off or delaying their own personal health care according to a new study being published.

The Center for Studying Health System Change is publishing a report that details the decision by many people to put off health care, largely because of financial considerations.

In 2003 nearly 14 percent of people surveyed said that because of money concerns they had delayed or put off needed medical care. In 2007 the number had jumped 6 percent to nearly 20 percent.

The number of people that reported they had delayed or put off needed medical care was fairly steady from 1997 to 2003, with the number remaining near 14 percent for nearly 7 years.

The largest reason listed by those surveyed in 2007 dealt with cost of insurance.

As the cost of health care increases, more and more people are putting off getting health care in favor of spending their hard earned money in other ways, for food, shelter or other needs.

More and more patients report that they no longer have insurance, or the insurance coverage that they have enjoyed for a number of years has been reduced.