More than 16 million Americans with chronic health conditions avoided visiting a doctor over the past year because of cost concerns, according to an online survey commissioned by West Hartford’s SCIO Analytics.
That presents a costly problem for the healthcare system, SCIO said, because it means those patients aren’t managing their conditions, which can ultimately lead to higher costs in future.
Patients that receive preventative care, particularly those with chronic conditions, can save money long-term by avoiding trips to the emergency room, readmissions, work absenteeism and disability.
Two in five Americans also don’t have a good grasp of what services their plans cover, which can also drive up costs, SCIO said.
Harris Poll surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. adults in late October.
