Health insurance is often seen as a safety net, providing individuals with access to affordable and accessible healthcare. However, results from a recent survey conducted by PhRMA shed light on the challenges faced by insured Americans by revealing that having insurance doesn’t always guarantee optimal healthcare outcomes. From concerns about out-of-pocket costs to difficulties in accessing necessary medications, many people are encountering significant barriers to accessing and receiving the care they need.
Barriers to care
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One of the major concerns for insured individuals is the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Forty percent of insured adults report that they had put off or postponed medical treatment in the last 12 months due to cost. Americans are increasingly worried about their ability to pay for healthcare. And many people are more anxious about affording medical bills than they are about paying for food or housing.
Another critical issue faced by many insured Americans is the difficulty in accessing necessary medications. Approximately 38% of insured individuals taking prescription drugs reported encountering barriers due to insurance coverage restrictions in the past year. These obstacles include prior authorization requirements, high copayments, and formulary restrictions. Such hurdles not only hinder timely access to medication but also contribute to increased healthcare costs and potential health complications.
These concerns serve as a reminder that insurance alone is not enough to ensure access to adequate healthcare. While the Affordable Care Act has helped many Americans gain access to healthcare coverage, it hasn’t eliminated all the challenges insured individuals face. Rising out-of-pocket costs and barriers preventing or delaying the utilization of healthcare coverage highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that goes beyond insurance coverage alone and addresses the underlying issues affecting healthcare accessibility and affordability.
Potential solutions
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To combat these challenges, several possible solutions can be explored. Government policies can play a crucial role in incentivizing healthcare providers to prioritize patient-centered care and improve overall quality. Promoting a value-based care model that incentivizes providers based on patient outcomes could help lower patient costs in the long term. In addition, public-private partnerships can be formed to increase the availability of healthcare services in underserved communities. These collaborations can focus on creating accessible care options, such as telemedicine programs, to expand access to care. Furthermore, insurance companies can look to reduce out-of-pocket costs by negotiating lower prices for common treatments and medications.
Additionally, platforms that promote price transparency and prevent surprise out-of-pocket costs are essential. By empowering people with information about healthcare costs, patients can make more informed decisions and better prepare for potential expenses. Price transparency can also foster competition among healthcare providers, leading to more affordable options for patients.
A greater emphasis on preventive care can also help address the challenges faced by insured individuals. By promoting regular check-ups, screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices, the need for emergency care and costly interventions can be reduced. When providers, patients, and insurance companies work together to keep patients healthy, cost of care can be improved for everyone involved. This not only improves overall patient health outcomes but also helps lower overall healthcare costs, making quality care more accessible to all.
While health insurance is important, it can only solve some of the healthcare problems insured people face. From being denied coverage to facing exorbitant out-of-pocket costs, insured individuals still face significant hurdles to accessing and receiving quality care. These issues highlight the need for comprehensive solutions that prioritize affordability and accessibility. With more affordable healthcare readily available, insured individuals can receive the care they need without excessive financial burden. By implementing policies that incentivize quality care, promote price transparency, and emphasize preventive measures, we can work towards a healthcare system that ensures affordable and accessible care for all.
Photo: eakrin rasadonyindee, Getty Images
Paul Ketchel is President and Chief Executive Officer of MDsave Inc. Mr. Ketchel has over 10 years of combined experience in the health care industry. Mr. Ketchel is the founder of MDsave, Inc., which is the world's first healthcare marketplace.
